A concise  history  of  the 
commencementm  progress  and 
present  condition  of  the 
American  colonies  in  Liberia, 

by 

SAMUEL  WILKERSON 


Washington, 

printed  at  the  Madisonian  Office 


1839 


PREFACE. 


The  subject  of  American  Colonization  in  Africa  has  become 
one  of  interesting  inquiry  and  discussion,  but  those  who  have 
not  carefully  watched  its  progress  are  placed  in  an  unfavorable 
situation  for  forming  correct  opinions  as  to  its  merits.  Exagge- 
rated statements  of  zealous  partizans  can  only  mislead  those  who 
seek  for  facts,  on  which  to  make  up  their  own  judgments. 

The  official  documents  of  the  Colonization  Societies,  and  the 
communications  from  colonists,  and  distinguished  individuals  who 
have  visited  the  Colonies,  which  have  been  published  in  the  news- 
papers and  periodicals,  have  either  not  been  preserved,  or  are  not 
accessible  to  the  thousands  who  are  calling  loudly  for  information 
on  the  subject. 

With  the  design  of  supplying,  in  some  measure,  this  demand, 
the  following  pages  have  been  prepared.  Most  of  the  facts  have 
been  derived  from  published  documents  and  communications,  and 
are  often  given  in  the  words  of  the  writer.  But  it  was  thought 
unnecessary  to  name,  in  every  instance,  the  original  sources  of  in- 
formation, in  a work  that  professes  to  be  little  more  than  a com- 
pilation. 

As  it  was  the  writer’s  design  to  give  the  work  a pamphlet  form, 
for  distribution  by  mail,  he  has  aimed  to  bring  it  into  the  smallest 
compass.  This  necessarily  excluded  many  interesting  facts,  espe- 
cially in  relation  to  the  recently  established  Colonies,  as  well  as 
all  notice  of  the  proceedings  of  the  Colonization  Societies  in  the 
United  States,  except  as  these  were  immediately  connected  with 
their  operations  in  Liberia. 

No  statement  in  relation  to  the  country,  the  health  or  condition 
of  the  colonists  has  been  admitted  that  was  not  considered  by  the 
writer  as  entitled  to  credit ; and  if  important  facts  have  been  omit- 
ted, his  apology  for  this  as  well  as  for  imperfections  of  arrangement, 
is  the  very  little  time  which  his  other  engagements  allowed  him  to 
devote  to  this. 

SAMUEL  WILKESON, 


Washington,  April  15,  1839. 


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HISTORY  OF  LIBERIA. 


The  first  emigration  of  colored  people  from  the  United 
States  to  Africa,  was  conducted  by  the  celebrated  Paul  Cuffee,  in 
1815.  This  remarkable  man  was  born  at  New  Bedford,  Massa- 
chusetts in  1759,  of  an  African  father  and  an  aboriginal  mother. 
His  early  years  were  spent  in  poverty  and  obscurity,  but  posses- 
sing a vigorous  mind,  by  industry  and  perseverance,  guided 
by  practical  good  sense,  he  rose  to  wealth  and  respectability.  He 
was  largely  engaged  in  navigation,  and  in  many  voyages  to 
foreign  countries  commanded  his  own  vessel.  His  desire  to  raise 
his  colored  brethren  of  this  country  to  civil  and  religious  liberty 
in  the  land  of  their  forefathers,  induced  him  to  offer  some  of  the 
free  people  of  color  a passage  to  the  western  coast  of  Africa. 
About  forty  embarked  with  him  at  Boston,  and  landed  at  Sierra 
Leone  w here  they  were  kindly  received.  Only  eight  of  these 
were  able  to  pay  their  passage,  the  whole  expense  of  the  remain- 
der, amounting  to  nearly  $4,000,  was  defrayed  by  the  noble 
minded  Paul  Cuffee.  Had  he  possessed  the  means,  he  might  in 
1816  have  taken  2000  people  from  New  England  to  Africa,  but  he 
died  the  followingyear. 

The  American  Colonization  Society  was  founded  in  the  City  of 
Washington  in  December  1816,  by  patriotic  and  benevolent  gen- 
tlemen from  various  parts  of  the  country,  for  the  purpose  of  colo- 
nizing the  free  people  of  color  of  the  United  States. 

In  1818,  Messrs  Samuel  J.  Mills  and  Ebenezer  Burgess  were 
commissioned  by  this  Society  to  proceed  by  the  way  of  England 
to  the  English  settlements  and  other  ports  of  the  western  coast  of 
Africa,  to  acquire  information  and  ascertain  whether  a suitable 
territory  could  be  obtained  for  the  establishment  of  a colony. 
They  visited  all  the  ports  from  Sierra  Leone  to  Sherbro,  a distance 
of  about  120  miles.  At  this  last  place  they  found  a small  but 
prosperous  colony  of  colored  people  settled  by  John  Kizzel.  This 
man  had  heed  brought  from  Africa  when  very  young,  and  sold  as 
a slave  in  South  Carolina ; during  the  revolutionary  war  he  joined 
the  British,  and  at  its  close  was  taken  to  Nova  Scotia,  from  whence, 
about  the  close  of  the  last  century,  he  sailed  with  a number  of 


4 


other  colored  persons  to  Africa.  Here  he  was  prospered  in  trade, 
built  a church  and  preached  the  gospel  to  his  countrymen.  By 
Kizzel  and  his  people  the  agents  were  kindly  received  and  hospi- 
tably entertained.  After  having  fulfilled  their  arduous  duties,  they 
embarked  for  the  United  States,  but  Mr.  Mills  died  on  the  passage. 

The  missionary  character  and  efforts  of  this  man  were  thus  re- 
ferred to  in  a public  discourse  by  the  Rev.  Leonard  Bacon. 

“ A young  minister  of  the  gospel  once  said  to  an  intimate  friend 
1 my  brother,  you  and  I are  little  men,  but  before  we  die  our  in- 
fluence must  be  felt  on  the  other  side  of  the  world.’ 

Not  many  years  after,  a ship,  returning  from  a distant  quarter  of 
the  globe,  paused  on  her  passage  across  the  deep.  There  stood  on 
her  deck  a man  of  God,  who  wept  over  the  dead  body  of  his  friend. 
He  prayed,  and  the  sailors  wept  with  him — and  they  consigned 
that  body  to  the  ocean.  It  was  the  body  of  the  man,  who,  in  the 
ardor  of  youthful  benevolence,  had  aspired  to  extend  his  influence 
through  the  world.  He  died  in  youth,  but  he  had  redeemed  his 
pledge;  and  at  this  hour  his  influence  is  felt  in  Asia,  in  Africa,  in 
the  islands  of  the  sea,  and  in  every  corner  of  his  native  country. 

This  man  was  Samuel  John  Mills,  and  all  who  know  his  his- 
tory will  say,  that  I have  exaggerated  neither  the  grandeur  of  his 
aspirations,  nor  the  results  of  his  efforts.  He  traversed  our  land, 
like  a ministering  spirit,  silently  and  yet  effectually  from  the  hill 
country  of  the  pilgrims  to  the  valley  of  the  Mississippi. 

He  wandered  on  his  errands  of  benevolence  from  city  to  city, 
pleading  now  with  the  patriot,  for  a country  growing  up  to  an  im- 
mensity of  power,  and  now  with  the  Christian  for  a world  lying 
in  wickedness.  He  explored  in  person  the  desolations  of  the  west, 
and  in  person  he  stirred  up  to  enterprise  and  to  effort  the  churches 
of  the  East.  He  lived  for  India  and  Owhyhee,  [Hawaii]  and 
died  in  the  service  of  Africa.” 

Mr.  Burgess  gave  so  satisfactory  a report  of  his  mission,  that  the 
society,  was  encouraged  to  proceed  in  its  enterprise. 

By  an  Act  of  Congress  of  the  3d  of  March,  1819,  the  President 
of  the  United  States  was  authorized  to  restore  to  their  own  coun- 
try, any  Africans  captured  from  American  or  foreign  vessels,  at- 
tempting to  introduce  them  into  the  United  States,  in  violation  of 
law,  and  to  provide  by  the  establishment  of  a suitable  agency  on 
the  African  coast,  for  their  reception,  subsistence  and  comfort,  un- 
til they  could  return  to  their  relatives,  or  derive  support  from  their 
own  exertions.  It  was  determined  to  make  the  station  of  the  Go- 
vernment Agency,  on  the  coast  of  Africa,  the  site  of  the  colonial 
settlement ; and  to  incorporate  in  the  settlement,  all  the  blacks  de- 
livered over  by  our  ships  of  war,  to  the  American  Agent  as  soon 
as  the  requisite  preparations  should  be  completed  for  their  accom- 
modations. 

1S20. 

In  February  of  this  year  the  Rev.  Samuel  Bacon  went  to  Africa  as 


5 


principal  agent  of  the  United  States.  He  embarked  at  New  York 
in  the  ship  Elizabeth,  chartered  by  Government,  and  was  accom- 
panied by  John  P.  Bankson,  assistant,  Dr.  Samuel  A.  Crozer, 
agent  of  the  American  Colonization  Society,  and  88  emigrants, 
who,  in  consideration  of  their  passage  and  other  aid  Irom  govern- 
ment, agreed  to  prepare  suitable  accommodations  for  the  reception 
of  the  Africans  who  might  be  delivered  over  to  the  protection  of 
the  agent. 

Tnis  expedition  proceeded  by  way  of  Sierra  Leone  to  the 
Island  of  Sherbro  band  the  emigrants  landed  at  Campelar,  the  place 
which  had  been  chosen  lor  the  site  of  the  proposed  settlement, 
while  the  sloop  of  war  Cyane,  which  sailed  from  New  York  in 
company  with  the  Elizabeth,  was  ordered  to  cruise  on  the  coast 
for  the  prevention  of  the  slave  trade. 

Mr.  Bacon  after  encountering  great  fatigue  and  many  vexatious 
delays  in  fruitless  negotiations  with  the  natives,  for  the  purchase 
of  lands,  found  himself  obliged  to  turn  his  whole  attention  to  the 
care  of  the  emigrants.  Campelar  proved  to  be  very  unhealthy  on 
account  of  the  low  marshy  ground  and  bad  water.  These,  with 
the  total  absence  of  accommodations,  the  want  of  proper  regula- 
tions, and  the  continued  fatigue  and  exposure,  incident  to  their 
situation,  soon  spread  disease  in  a frightful  form  among  the  people. 
Almost  the  whole  care  of  the  sick,  as  well  as  of  those  in  health, 
finally  devolved  on  Mr.  Bacon.  But,  notwithstanding  he  labored 
more,  was  more  exposed  to  heat  and  wet,  hunger  and  thirst  than 
any  one,  yet  he  continued  in  health  until  all  the  rest,  except  six  or 
eight,  had  become  sick.  At  length  he  was  attacked  by  the  fever, 
"when  there  was  no  one  to  administer  medicine,  or  allay  his  suffer- 
ings by  the  kind  and  assiduous  attentions  which  he  had,  for  weeks, 
bestowed  on  others  ; and  after  an  illness  of  about  a fortnight,  he 
expired,  a worthy  martyr  to  the  glorious  cause  of  African  regene- 
ration. 

A short  time  before  his  death  he  wrote  in  his  journal,  after  de- 
scribing his  own  labors  and  the  sufferings  of  the  people,  “Is  it  asked 
do  1 yet  say  colonize  Africa  l I reply,  yes.  He  that  has  seen 
ninety  naked  Africans  landed  together  in  America,  and  remarked 
the  effects  of  the  change  of  climate  through  the  first  year,  has 
seen  them  as  sickly  as  these.  Every  sudden  and  unnatural  tran- 
sition produces  illness.  The  surpassing  fertility  of  the  African 
soil,  the  mildness  of  the  climate  during  a great  part  of  the  year, 
the  numerous  commercial  advantages,  the  stores  of  fish  and  herds 
of  animals  to  be  found  here,  invite  her  scattered  children  home. 
As  regards  myself,  I counted  the  cost  of  engaging  in  this  service, 
before  I left  America.  I came  to  these  shores  to  die , and  any 
thing  better  than  death,  is  better  than  I expect.” 

All  the  agents  and  more  than  twenty  of  the  emigrants  died;  the 
.remainder  regained  their  health  in  a few  weeks. 


6 


1821. 

Early  in  this  year  four  new  agents  were  sent  out  with  supplies 
and  a small  number  of  emigrants.  These,  with  the  survivors  of 
the  Elizabeth,  were  established  at  Sierra  Leone,  until  a more  eli- 
gible site  than  Sherbro  could  be  selected. 

Messrs.  Andrews  and  E.  Bacon  visited  different  points  on  the 
coast,  but  returned  to  Sierra  Leone  without  having  made  perma- 
nent arrangements,  where  during  the  summer,  two  of  the  new 
agents  died,  and  one  returned  sick  to  the  United  States. 

The  total  failure  of  their  first  effort  to  establish  a colony  in 
Africa,  attended  as  it  was  with  the  sacrifice  of  so  many  valuable 
lives,  and  other  discouraging  circumstances,  only  tended  to  arouse 
the  energies  of  the  society  to  more  vigorous  and  determined  ac- 
tion. 

In  November  another  agent,  Dr.  Ayres,  was  instructed  to  visit 
Sierra  Leone,  and  after  ascertaining  the  condition  of  the  survi- 
ving emigrants,  to  proceed  down  the  coast  in  search  of  a suitable 
place  for  a settlement. 

Capt.  Stockton,  with  the  United  States  schooner  Alligator,  was 
also  ordered  to  the  coast  of  Africa  with  instructions  to  assist  Dr. 
Ayres  in  making  proper  arrangements  for  the  emigrants.  These 
gentlemen  proceeded  to  Cape  Montserado,  about  250  miles  from 
Sierra  Leone  to  obtain,  if  possible,  territory  for  the  colony.  They 
urged  negotiations  for  several  days  with  the  chiefs  of  the  country, 
and  by  the  address  and  firmness  of  Capt.  Stockton  they  finally 
succeeded  in  obtaining  a valuable  tract  of  land  including  Cape 
Montserado. 

1822. 

After  the  purchase  of  this  territory  was  effected,  Dr.  Ayres  em- 
ployed two  small  schooners  belonging  to  the  colony  in  removing 
the  emigrants  from  Sierra  Leone  to  their  new  settlement.  In  the 
mean  time  theDey  people,  of  whom  the  purchase  had  been  made, 
began  to  show  signs  of  hostility  and  of  the  insincerityof  their 
engagements. 

On  the  arrival  of  the  first  division  of  emigrants,  consisting 
chiefly  of  single  men,  the  natives  forbade  their  landing.  The 
smallest  of  the  two  islands  at  the  mouth  of  the  Montserado,  had 
been  obtained  by  special  purchase  of  John  S.  Mills,  at  that  time 
the  occupant  and  proprietor ; on  which  the  people  and  property 
were  safely  debarked,  without  any  actual  opposition. 

Dr.  Ayres  attempted  in  vain  to  conciliate  the  natives,  (who 
seemed  bent  on  expelling  the  colonists,)  and  was  so  far  deceived  by 
their  imposing  offers  of  accommodation  as  to  trust  himself  in  their 
power,  when  they  took  him  prisoner  and  detained  him  several 
days  for  the  purpose  of  compelling  him  to  annul  the  bargain. 

The  island  on  which  the  people  had  landed,  was  entirely  desti- 


7 


tuteof  fresh  water  and  fire  wood,  and  afforded  no  shelter,  except 
the  decayed  thatch  of  half  a dozen  diminitive  huts  ; thus  exposed 
in  an  insalubrious  situation,  several  were  again  attacked  by  inter- 
mittent fever,  from  which  they  had  but  a few  months  before  re- 
covered at  Sierra  Leone. 

Happily,  a secret  exparte  arrangement  was,  at  this  critical  pe- 
riod, settled  with  King  George,  (who  resided  on  the  Cape,  and 
claimed  a sort  of  jurisdiction  over  the  northern  district  of  the  pe- 
ninsula of  Montserado)  in  virtue  of  which  the  settlers  were  per- 
mitted to  pass  across  the  river,  and  commence  the  laborious  task 
of  clearing  away  the  heavy  forest  which  covered  the  site  of  their 
intended  town.  They  pursued  their  labor  with  animated  exer- 
tions, had  made  considerable  progress  in  the  erection  of  22  build- 
ings, when  a circumstance  occurred  which  obscured  their  bright- 
ening prospects  and  kindled  around  them  the  flame  of  war. 

A small  vessel,  prize  to  an  English  cruiser,  bound  to  Sierra 
Leone,  with  about  30  liberated  Africans,  put  into  the  roads  for  a 
supply  of  water,  and  had  the  misfortune  to  part  her  cable  and 
come  ashore  within  a short  distance  of  Perseverance  Island.  The 
natives  pretend  to  a prescriptive  right,  which  interest  never  fails 
to  enforce  in  its  utmost  extent,  to  seize  and  appropriate  the  wrecks 
and  cargoes  of  vessels  stranded,  under  whatever  ciicumstances,  on 
their  coast.  The  English  schooner  having  drifted  upon  the  main 
land  about  one  mile  from  the  extremity  of  the  cape,  and  a small 
distance  below  George’s  town,  was  immediately  claimed  as  his 
property.  His  people  rushed  to  the  beach  with  their  arms,  to  sus- 
tain this  claim ; and  attempting  to  board  the  wreck,  were  fired  upon 
by  the  prize  master  and  compelled  to  desist.  In  the  mean  time  the 
aid  of  the  settlers  was  sent  for,  which,  from  an  opinion  of  the  ex- 
treme danger  of  their  English  visitants,  they  immediately  afford- 
ed. A boat  was  manned,  and  despatched  to  their  relief ; and  a 
brass  field  piece,  stationed  on  the  Island,  discharged  upon  the  as- 
sailants, when  they  hastily  retired  to  their  town,  with  the  loss  of 
two  of  their  number  killed,  and  several  disabled.  The  English 
officer,  his  crew,  and  the  Africans,  were  brought  off  in  safety ; but 
suffered  the  total  loss  of  their  vessel,  with  most  of  the  stores  and 
other  property  on  board  of  her. 

By  some  accident  in  discharging  the  cannon,  fire  was  commu- 
nicated to  the  store  house  of  the  colony,  and  most  of  the  provisions, 
ammunition  and  utensils  were  destroyed. 

The  exasperated  natives,  but  for  their  dread  of  the  big  guns, 
would  have  attacked  the  settlers  and  destroyed  them  at  once ; as  it 
was,  they  threw  down  the  frames  of  their  houses  and  continued  to 
fire  occasional  shots  at  individuals  who  exposed  themselves.  This 
confined  the  settlers  to  the  island  until  they  were  obliged  to  go  up 
the  river  after  wood  and  water.  On  their  return,  their  boat,  though 
strongly  manned  and  armed,  was  fired  upon  by  the  natives  who 
lay  concealed  ; two  of  their  men  were  mortally  wounded  and  two 
slightly.  Their  situation  was  now  most  alarming ; compelled  to 


8 


fight  for  every  drop  of  water;  their  stores  and  ammunition  destroyed; 
their  number  reduced  by  sickness,  and  surrounded  by  a highly  in- 
censed and  savage  foe  bent  on  their  destruction.  But  deliverance 
arose  from  a quarter  the  least  expected,  and  in  a manner  so  re- 
markable as  to  impress  all  minds  with  a grateful  sense  of  the  in- 
terposition of  Providence.  Ba  Cara,  the  chief  of  a settlement  on 
the  neighboring  island,  who  was  friendly  to  the  colonists,  now  ap- 
plied to  King  Boatswain  in  their  behalf.'  This  famous  chief  who, 
though  living  in  the  interior,  had  often  assumed  a dictatorial  au- 
thority in  the  affairs  of  the  maritime  tribes,  promptly  responded  to 
this  application  from  his  ally  and  appeared  at  the  cape,  not,  as  he 
said,  to  pronounce  sentence, *but  to  do  justice  ; and  he  had  actually 
brought  along  with  him  a force  sufficient  to  carry  his  decisions 
into  immediate  effect.  He  convened  the  head  chiefs  of  the  neigh- 
borhood, sent  for  the  agents  of  the  colony,  and  after  allowing  both 
parties  to  set  forth  their  claims  and  grievances,  briefly  told  the 
Deys  that  having  sold  their  land  and  accepted  part  of  the  payment 
they  must  abide  the  consequences  ; that  their  refusal  to  receive  the 
balance  of  the  purchase  money,  did  not  annul  or  affect  the  bargain. 
“Let  the  Americans,”  said  he,  in  a voice  that  was  seldom  disobey- 
ed, “have  their  lands  immediately.”  Then  turning  to  the  agents, 
“I  promise  you  protection.  If  these  people  give  you  further'trou- 
ble,  send  for  me ; and  I swear  if  they  oblige  me  to  come  again  to 
quiet  them,  I will  do  it  to  purpose,  by  taking  their  heads  from 
their  shoulders,  as  I did  old  King  George’s,  on  my  last  visit  to  the 
coast  to  settle  disputes.” 

Whatever  might  be  thought  of  this  decision,  no  one  presumed 
to  oppose  it,  and  the  settlers  resumed  their  labors  without  moles- 
tation. 

On  the  28th  of  April,  their  whole  company  having  arrived  from 
Sierra  Leone,  the  emigrants  passed  over  from  the  island,  and  took 
formal  possession  of  Cape  Montserado. 

The  excitement  of  this  occasion,  the  pious  gratitude  and  encour- 
aging hopes  which  it  inspired,  could  not  long  divert  their  attention 
from  the  difficulties  which  still  surrounded  them. 

The  houses  were  yet  destitute  of  roofs,  for  which  the  materials 
were  to  be  sought  in  the  almost  impenetrable  forests  of  the  coun- 
try. The  rainy  season  had  already  commenced.  The  island,  if 
much  longer  occupied  by  all  the  Colonists,  must  prove  the  grave 
of  many.  Sickness  was  becoming  prevalent,  and  both  the  Agents 
were  among  the  sufferers.  The  store  of  provisions  was  scanty, 
and  all  other  stores  nearly  exhausted  ! The  active  hostility  of  the 
natives  had  been  arrested,  but  there  was  reason  to  fear  its  return. 
In  this  gloomy  state  of  affairs,  Dr.  Ayres  determined  to  abandon 
the  enterprise,  and  remove  the  people  and  stores  to  Sierra  Leone. 
The  society’s  agent,  Mr.  Wiltberger,  convinced  that  if  the  Colo- 
nists removed,  the  land  purchased  could  not  be  recovered,  opposed 
tills  project,  and  at  his  instance,  the  Colonists  rejected  it ; choosing 


9 


rather  to  brave  the  perils  of  their  situation  than  to  seek  present 
safety  and  ease  by  the  abandonment  of  that  cause  which  they  be- 
lieved fraught  with  blessings  to  their  race.  A small  number  ac- 
companied Dr.  Ayres  to  Sierra  Leone.  The  remainder  set  about 
the  completion  of  their  houses  with  industry  and  perseverance; 
and  alter  having  endured  great  trials  and  hardships,  were  enabled 
in  July,  entirely  to  abandon  the  island  and  place  themselves  be- 
neath their  own  humble  dwellings  on  the  Cape 

Soon  after,  Mr.  Wiltberger  returned  to  the  United  States,  leaving 
the  settlement  in  charge  of  Elijah  Johnson,  an  intelligent  and  hon- 
est emigrant. 

The  natives  having  treacherously  v7aited  the  departure  of  Boat- 
swain to  the  interior,  and  that  of  the  Agents  on  iheir  voyage  to  the 
United  States,  put  themselves  in  an  attitude  of  hostility,  and  pro- 
hibited the  conveyance  of  supplies  to  the  Colony  from  the  sur- 
rounding country.  At  that  season  of  the  year  the  Colonists  could 
not  obtain  a supply  of  provisions  from  the  soil ; no  vessels  were 
expected  on  the  coast,  and  the  most  economical  use  of  the  stores 
on  hand,  could  not  make  them  last  longer  than  a few  weeks.— 
In  the  midst  of  these  trying  circumstances  and  alarming  prospects, 
relief  came  as  unexpected  as  it  w7as  necessary. 

In  August  a vessel  arrived  from  Baltimore  with  stores  for  the 
settlement,  and  51  emigrants,  part  of  whom  were  recaptured  Afri- 
cans sent  out  by  the  United  States  Government.  The  Kev.  Jehu- 
di  Ashmun,  whose  name  will  be  honored  wherever  the  history  of 
Liberia  is  known,  and  exalted  public  services  are  valued,  came 
out  as  superintendent  of  this  expedition.  To  his  surprise  and 
regret,  he  found  that  both  the  Agents  had  left  the  country,  and, 
though  he  had  not  contemplated  remaining  in  the  colony,  he  felt 
constrained,  in  view  of  its  helpless  condition  and  the  wTants  of  the 
people,  to  assume  the  charge  of  affairs. 

Owing  to  bad  weather,  and  the  want  of  suitable  boats,  some  weeks 
were  consumed  in  landing  the  emigrants  and  stores,  and  great  dif- 
ficulty was  experienced  in  providing  for  the  accommodation  of  so 
large  a number  of  persons. 

In  the  mean  time,  the  Agent  had  lost  not  a moment  in  ascertain- 
ing the  external  relations  of  the  settlement  and  the  temper  of  its 
neighbors.  He  visited  some  of  the  principal  chiefs,  whom  he 
thought  it  safe  to  bind  to  a pacific  policy,  by  encouraging  them  to 
open  a trade  with  the  Colony — by  forming  with  them  new  ami- 
cable alliances,  and  receiving  the  sons  and  subjects  of  as  many  as 
possible  to  instruct  in  the  language  and  arts  of  civilization. 

All  his  attempts  at  reconciliation  were,  however,  in  vain.  It 
soon  became  evident  that  the  natives,  under  the  conviction  that 
their  uew  neighbors  were  hostile  to  the  slave  trade,  were  deter- 
mined to  extirpate  them. 

One  of  the  most  remarkable  circumstances  in  that  series  of  pro- 
vidential events  connected  with  the  history  of  the  Colony  was, 
that  a native  chief,  in  the  councils  of  those  who  were  plotting  the 


10 


destruction  of  the  settlement,  should  have  secretly, and  without  any 
known  motive,  determined  to  serve  the  cause  of  the  Americans  by 
communicating  to  the  Agent  the  plans  and  purposes  of  his  ene- 
mies. The  person  to  whom  the  colony  was  indebted  for  these  sig- 
nal services,  (for  which  he  has  never  been  sufficiently  rewarded,) 
was  Bob  Gray,  a king  of  the  Bassa  tribe,  since  known  as  the  sub- 
ject of  many  interesting  anecdotes  related  by  the  Agents  of  the  Colo- 
nization Society.* 

Aware  of  his  danger,  the  Agent  set  about  preparing  for  defence. 
The  little  town  was  closely  environed,  except  on  the  side  of  the 
river,  with  the  heavy  forest  in  the  bosom  of  which  it  was  situated — 
thus  giving  to  a savage  enemy  an  important  advantage,  of  which 
it  became  absolutely  necessary  to  deprive  him,  by  enlarging,  to  the 
utmost,  the  cleared  space  about  the  buildings. 

This  labor  was  immediately  undertaken  and  carried  on  without 
any  other  intermission  than  that  caused  by  sickness  of  the  people, 
and  the  performance  of  other  duties  equally  connected  with  the 
safety  of  the  place.  The  town  was  enclosed  with  pickets,  cannon 
mounted,  the  Colonists  mustered,  and  officers  appointed — all  this 
labor  was  performed  under  the  greatest  disadvantages;  not  only  a 
want  of  teams,  but  of  mechanics  and  tools. 

Only  27  native  Americans  and  13  African  youth,  were  capa- 
ble of  bearing  arms,  and  these  wholly  untrained  to  their  use. — 
There  were  but  forty  muskets,  much  out  of  repair,  and  no  fixed 
ammunition.  Of  one  brass  and  five  iron  guns,  the  former  only  was 
fit  for  service,  and  four  of  the  latter  required  carriages.  The  rains 
were  immoderate  and  nearly  constant.  In  addition  to  other  fa- 
tiguing labors  was  that  of  maintaining  the  nightly  watch,  which, 
from  the  number  of  sentinels  necessary  for  the  common  safety, 
shortly  became  more  exhausting  than  all  the  other  burdens  of  the 
people.  No  less  than  20  individuals  were  every  night  detailed 
for  this  duty,  after  the  31st  of  August. 

At  the  commencement  of  the  third  week,  after  his  arrival,  the 
Agent  was  attacked  with  fever — and  three  days  after  experienced 
the  greater  calamity  of  perceiving  the  health  of  his  wife  assailed 
with  symptoms  of  a still  more  alarming  character. 

The  sickness  from  this  period  made  a rapid  progress  among  the 
last  division  of  emigrants.  On  the  1st  of  September.  12  were  whol- 
ly disabled.  The  burdens  thus  thrown  upon  their  brethren  accel- 
erated the  work  of  tne  climate  so  rapidly,  that  on  the  10th  of  this 
month,  of  the  whole  expedition,  only  two  remained  fit  for  any 
kind  of  service.  The  Agent  was  enabled,  by  a merciful  dispen- 
sation of  Divine  Providence,  to  maintain  a difficult  struggle  with 
his  disorder  for  four  weeks ; in  which  period,  after  a night  of 


♦ One  day  when  sitting  with  the  Governor  in  his  library,  he  fixed  his  eves  upon 
the  books  in  a thoughtful  mood  and  said,  “I  wish  America  man  steal  me  when 
little  boy.”  W hy  so  1 asked  the  Governor.  “ I learn  to  read  book,  know  too  much , 
and  be  a great  man.” 


11 


delirium  and  suffering,  it  was  not  an  unusual  circumstance  lor 
him  to  be  able  to  spend  an  entire  morning  in  laying  off  and  direct- 
ing the  execution  of  the  public  works. 

The  plan  of  defence  adopted  was  to  station  five  heavy  guns  at 
the  different  angles  of  a triangle  which  should  circumscribe  the 
whole  settlement — each  of  the  angles  resting  on  a point  oi  ground 
sufficiently  commanding  to  enfilade  two  sides  of  the  triangle,  and 
sweep  a considerable  extent  of  ground  beyond  the  lines.  The 
guns  at  these  stations  were  to  be  covered  by  musket  proof  triangu- 
lar stockades,  of  which  any  two  should  be  sufficient  to  contain  all 
the  settlers  in  their  wings.  The  brass  piece  and  two  swivels  mount- 
ed on  travelling  carriages,  were  stationed  in  the  centre,  ready  to 
support  the  post  which  might  be  exposed  to  the  heaviest  attack. — 
After  completing  these  detached  works,  it  was  the  intention  of 
the  Agent,  had  the  enemy  allowed  the  time,  to  join  all  together  by  a 
paling  to  be  carried  quite  round  the  settlement ; — and  in  the  event 
of  a yet  longer  respite,  to  carry  on,  as  rapidly  as  possible,  under 
the  protection  of  the  nearest  fortified  point,  the  construction  of  the 
Martello  tower ; which,  as  soon  as  completed,  would  nearly  su- 
persede all  the  other  works ; and  by  presenting  an  impregnable 
barrier  to  the  success  of  any  native  force,  probably  become  the  in- 
strument of  a general  and  permanent  pacification.  Connected  with 
these  measures  of  safety,  was  the  extension  to  the  utmost,  of  the 
cleared  space  about  the  settlement,  still  leaving  the  trees  and  brush- 
wood, after  being  felled,  to  spread  the  ground  with  a tangled  hedge, 
through  which  nothing  should  be  able  to  make  its  way,  except  the 
shot  from  the  batteries. 

This  plan  was  fully  communicated  to  the  most  intelligent  of  the 
people  ; which,  in  the  event  of  the  disability  or  death  of  the  Agent, 
they  might,  it  was  hoped,  so  far  carry  into  effect  as  to  ensure  the 
preservation  of  the  settlement. 

Their  defences  were  still  very  far  from  complete  when,  on  the 
7th  of  November,  intelligence  was  received  at  the  Cape  that  the 
enemy  were  ready  for  an  assault  on  the  settlement,  which  was 
ordered  in  four  days,  but  the  plan  of  the  attack  was  not  ascer- 
tained. Mr.  Ashmun.  was  only  able,  with  great  effort,  to  inspect 
the  works,  give  directions  and  encouragement  to  the  people,  and 
arrange  them  in  order  of  action.  They  lay  on  their  arms,  with 
matches  lighted,  through  the  night.  The  most  wakeful  vigilance 
was  continued  during  the  following  nights,  and  patrols  kept  up 
through  the  day.  Early  on  the  morning  of  the  11th  the  attack 
was  made  by  above  800  men.  In  consequence  of  the  sickness  of 
the  agent,  and  his  inability  to  enforce  his  orders  personally,  one 
pass  had  been  neglected  to  be  properly  defended.  By  this  the 
enemy  approached,  drove  the  picket  guard,  delivered  their  fire 
and  rushed  forward  with  their  spears  ; several  men  were  killed  by 
the  first  fire,  and  the  remainder  driven  from  their  cannon  without 
discharging  it.  Had  the  enemy,  at  this  instant,  pressed  their  ad- 
vantage, it  is  hardly  conceivable  that  they  should  have  failed  of 


12 


entire  success.  Avidity  for  plunder  was  their  defeat.  Four 
houses  in  that  outskirt  of  the  settlement,  had  fallen  into  their 
hands,  and  while  they  rushed  impetuously  upon  the  pillage,  Ash- 
mun  rallied  his  broken  forces  and  discharging  the  brass  field  piece 
(double-shotted  with  ball  and  grape,)  produced  great  havoc  among 
the  enemy,  and  brought  their  whole  body  to  a stand ; a few  mus- 
keteers passing  around  upon  their  flank  increased  their  consterna- 
tion, and  in  about  twenty  minutes  after  the  colonists  rallied,  the 
enemy  began  to  recoil.  The  colonists  regained  their  post,  and 
instantly  brought  a long  nine  to  rake  the  whole  line  of  the  enemy. 
A savage  yell  was  raised,  which  filled  the  surrounding  forest  with 
a momentary  horror.  It  gradually  died  away,  and  the  whole  host 
disappeared.  At  8 o’clock  the  well  known  signal  of  their  disper- 
sion and  return  to  their  homes  was  sounded,  and  many  small 
parties  were  seen  at  a distance  directly  afterwards,  moving  off  in 
different  directions.  One  large  canoe,  employed  in  re-conveying 
a party  across  the  mouth  of  the  Montserado,  venturing  within  the 
range  of  the  long  gun,  was  struck  by  a shot  and  several  men 
killed. 

In  the  engagement  the  colonists  had  three  men  and  one  woman 
killed,  two  men  and  two  women  severely  wounded,  and  seven 
children  captured. 

Although  thus  completely  discomfited,  the  natives  did  not  aban- 
don their  design  of  exterminating  the  colony.  They  determined 
to  renew  the  attack  with  additional  forces,  collecting  auxiliaries 
from  as  many  of  the  neighboring  tribes  as  they  could  induce  to 
unite  with  them.  The  colonists,  on  their  side,  were  equally  on 
the  alert,  and  made  incredible  exertions  to  prepare  for  repelling 
the  assailants.  They  reduced  the  extent  of  their  works,  and  thus 
rendered  them  more  defensible.  But  the  number  of  effective  men 
was  less,  being  only  thirty. 

The  attack  was  made  on  the  30th  of  November,  and  incom- 
parably better  concerted  than  the  former  one.  It  took  place  almost 
simultaneously  on  three  sides  of  the  fortifications.  The  assail- 
ants displayed  a tact  and  skill  that  would  have  done  credit  to 
more  experienced  warriors.  But  they  were  received  with  that 
bravery  and  determination  which  the  danger  of  total  destruction, 
in  case  of  defeat,  was  calculated  to  inspire,  and  were  finally  de- 
feated with  severe  loss.  The  garrison  had  one  man  killed,  and 
two  badly  wounded.  The  skill  and  talent,  and  energy  of  Mr. 
Ashmun,  mainly  secured  the  triumph.  He  received  three  bullets 
* through  his  clothes,  but  was  not  wounded. 

This  action,  which  continued  an  hour  and  a half,  and  was  re- 
newed three  times  with  the  utmost  desperation,  was  still  more 
interesting  in  its  details  than  the  other. 

The  wrounded  suffered  much  for  want  of  surgical  aid.  There 
was  not  even  a lancet  or  probe  in  the  settlement ; a penknife  was 
substituted  for  the  first,  and  a priming  wire  for  the  last. 

An  alarm,  the  night  after  the  battle,  induced  an  officer  of  the 


13 


guard  to  open  a fire  of  musketry  and  cannon,  which  providen- 
tially brought  relief  to  the  settlement.  The  English  colonial 
schooner  Prince  Regent,  bound  for  Cape  Coast,  with  Major  Laing, 
the  celebrated  African  traveller,  and  midshipman  Gordon  on 
board,  was  then  in  the  offiing,  a little  past  the  cape.  So  unusual  a 
circumstance  as  a midnight  cannonading  induced  the  vessel  to  lay 
by  till  morning,  when  the  officers  communicated  with  the  shore, 
and  learning  the  situation  of  the  colonists,  generously  offered  any 
assistance  in  their  power.  Major  Laing  sought  the  chiefs,  found 
them  tired  of  the  war,  and  disposed  for  peace.  They  signed  a 
truce,  and  agreed  to  submit  all  their  differences  with  the  colony 
to  the  governor  of  Sierra  Leone. 

Midshipman  Gordon  and  eleven  seamen  remained  at  the  settle- 
ment on  the  departure  of  the  Prince  Regent,  having  generously 
volunteered  their  services  to  assist  the  colonists  in  their  extremity. 
The  lamented  Gordon  and  eight  of  the  seamen  fell  victims  to  the 
climate  in  less  than  four  weeks  after  the  vessel  sailed. 

On  the  8th  of  December,  a large  privateer  schooner,  under 
Columbian  colors,  came  to  anchor.  The  commander,  Captain 
Welsey,  and  several  officers,  who  were  natives  of  the  United 
States,  rendered  important  aid  to  Mr.  Ashmun.  By  assistance 
obtained  from  this  vessel,  the  settlement,  in  a few  weeks,  was  put 
in  a better  state  of  defence;  while  the  sufferings  of  the  sick  and 
wounded  were  alleviated  by  the  kind  attentions  of  a skilful  sur- 
geon. 

1S23. 

Mr.  Ashmun’s  health,  which  had  been  improving  for  several 
weeks,  sunk  again  under  excessive  exertion,  and  he  continued  for 
some  time  in  a state  of  hopeless  debility.  He  was  at  length  re- 
stored by  an  extraordinary  prescription  of  a self-taught  French 
doctor,  who  arrived  in  a transient  vessel  at  the  cape,  so  that  by 
the  middle  of  February  he  was  able  to  resume  his  active  duties. 
Previous  to  this  time  two  of  the  captive  children  had  been  reco- 
vered, and  a few  weeks  after,  the  remaining  five  were  gratuitously 
restored.  So  kindly  and  tenderly  were  they  treated  by  the  old 
women  to  whose  care  they  had  been  committed  that  they  were 
unwilling  to  leave  them,  and  their  foster  mothers  were  equally 
reluctant  to  give  them  up. 

At  this  period  the  colonists  were  in  a sad  condition  ; their  pro- 
visions were  mostly  consumed;  their  trade  nearly  exhausted; 
their  lands  untilled  ; their  houses  without  roofs,  except  of  thatch  ; 
the  rainy  season  was  approaching ; and  the  people,  as  a natural 
consequence  of  their  late  irregular  life,  had,  in  many  instances, 
become  indolent  and  improvident,  and  finally  were  experiencing 
all  that  derangement  in  their  affairs  which  is  produced  by  a pro- 
tracted war.  In  these  desponding  circumstances,  they  were 
cheered  by  the  arrival,  on  the  31st  of  March,  of  the  United  Slates 


14 


ship  Cyane,  R.  T.  Spencer,  Esq.,  commander.  This  gentleman 
proceeded  to  make  the  most  active  exertions  for  the  benefit  of  the 
colony.  He  supplied  their  wants;  repaired  the  agent’s  house; 
commenced  and  nearly  campleted  the  Martello  tower,  before  the 
21st  of  April,  when  the  rapid  spread  of  the  fever  among  his  crew 
compelled  him  to  sail  for  the  United  States.  Dr.  Dix,  surgeon  of 
the  Cyane,  had  already  died.  “ This  lamented  man  had  watched, 
with  interest,  the  progress  of  the  colony  from  its  earliest  existence, 
and  had  visited  and  administered  relief  to  the  emigrants  when  at 
Sherbro.  The  tears  of  a grateful  people  watered  his  grave. 

The  next  victim  was  Richard  Seaton,  first  clerk  of  the  Cyane, 
an  accomplished  and  promising  young  man,  who  voluntarily  re- 
mained to  assist  the  agent.  The  third  was  the  lamented  Dashiell, 
left  in  command  of  the  schooner  Augusta,  which  had  been  fitted 
up  by  Capt.  Spence  at  Sierra  Leone  lor  the  defence  of  the  colony. 
Of  the  crew  of  the  Cyane,  no  less  than  40  died  soon  after  their  ar- 
rival in  the  United  States.  It  is  painful  to  record  the  death  of  so 
many  whose  generous  devotion  to  the  interests  of  the  colony 
claims  for  them  our  spontaneous  gratitude. 

The  successful  exertions  of  the  officers  and  crew  of  the  Cyane 
are  the  more  remarkable  from  the  fact  that  they  were  enfeebled  by 
a cruise  of  several  months  in  the  West  Indies.  Capt.  Spence  es- 
pecially was  laboring  under  great  debility. 

The  Bom-d  ol  Managers,  aware  of  the  weak  state  of  the  settle- 
ment had,  early  in  the  preceding  winter,  determined  to  despatch  a 
reinlorcement  of  emigrants,  with  stores,  under  the  direction  of 
Dr.  Ayres,  whose  improved  health  now  permitted  him  to  resume 
his  duties,  as  principal  agent  and  physician  in  the  colony.  This 
gentleman  embarked  at  Baltimore,  on  board  the  brig  Oswego,  with 
sixty-one  colored  passengers,  on  the  16th  of  April,  and  arrived  at 
Cape  Montserado  on  the  2 1th  of  May. 

On  the  arrival  of  Dr.  Ayres,  as  principal  agent,  both  of  the  go- 
vernment and  the  society,  Mr.  Ashmun  was  relieved  from  the 
weight  of  care  and  labor,  which  had  nearly  worn  him  out.  Dr. 
Ayres  entered  with  zeal  and  vigor  upon  his  official  duties.  The 
erection  of  houses,  the  surveying  and  distribution  of  land  to  the 
new  settlers,  and  the  general  care  of  the  government,  gave  him  un- 
ceasing employment.  The  system  of  government  was  improved, 
arrangements  were  made  for  the  better  disposition  of  supplies  from 
the  pub  ic  stores  ; the  site  of  the  town  was  accurately  surveyed 
and  judiciously  laid  off ; and  distribution  was  made  of  the  lots  and 
plantations. 

S )me  of  the  early  settlers,  however,  were  dissatisfied  with  these 
arrangements.  As  the  founders  and  defenders  of  the  colony  they 
considered  themselves  entitled  to  peculiar  privileges;  and  earnestly 
contended  for  their  right  to  retain  the  ground  upon  which  they 
had  originally  fixed  their  habitations.  The  health  of  Dr.  Ayres 
soon  began  to  fail  under  the  combined  effect  of  the  climate  and  his 
incessant  labors,  and  in  a few  months  he  was  reduced  to  such  a 


15 


state,  that  his  recovery,  in  Africa,  was  considered  hopeless;  accord- 
ingly i:i  December,  he  took  passage  lor  the  United  States  in  the 
ship  Fidelity  of  Baltimore,  and  the  government  was  again  thrown 
upon  Mr.  Ashmun. 

He  had  been  placed  in  a most  painful  and  embarrassing  situa- 
tion by  the  arrival  of  Dr.  Ayres.  He  not  only  found  himself  su- 
perseded in  the  government,  but  had  the  additional  mortification  to 
learn  that  his  drafts  had  been  dishonored,  and  no  provision  made 
to  remunerate  him  for  past  services,  or  provide  for  his  present  wants. 
No  man  possessed  a nicer  sense  of  honor  than  Ashmun.  Finding 
his  services  undervalued  ; and  even  the  confidence  of  the  society 
withheld,  he  was  justly  indignant ; although  his  attachment  to  the 
tause  remained  steadfast.  Seeing  the  principal  agent  leaving  the 
colony,  the  colonists  in  a state  of  insubordination,  Ashmun,  with 
true  Christian  magnanimity,  forgetting  his  own  wrongs,  resolved 
to  remain  and  save,  if  possible,  from  destruction,  a cause  in  which 
he  had  done  and  suffered  so  much.  The  prudence  of  his  mea- 
sures, and  the  firmness  of  his  conduct,  prevented  any  immediate 
outbreak  of  violence  ; but  causes  of  dissatisfaction  existed,  and  the 
spirit  of  insubordination  had  acquired  too  much  strength  to  be 
easily  eradicated.  Their  stock  of  provision  was  low,  the  native 
rice  very  scarce  and  dear,  on  account  of  the  supplies  required  by 
the  slave  vessels,  which,  at  this  time,  were  on  the  coast  in  great 
numbers.  Worse  than  all,  several  of  the  principal  colonists  avow- 
ed their  determination  to  leave  uncultivated  the  land  assigned 
them,  and  to  give  up  all  further  labor  or  attempts  at  improvements 
until  their  grievances  were  redressed  by  the  Board  in  the  United 
States,  to  which  they  had  appealed.  It  was  at  that  time  one  of  the 
regulations  of  the  society,  that  every  adult  male  emigrant  should, 
while  receiving  rations  from  the  public  store,  contribute  the  labor 
of  two  days  in  a week  to  some  work  of  public  utility. 

About  twelve  of  the  colonists  not  only  cast  off  the  restraints  of 
the  colony,  but  exerted  themselves  to  seduce  others  from  obedi- 
ence. On  the  13th  of  December,  Mr.  Ashmun  published  the  fol- 
lowing notice: 

“There  are  in  the  colony  more  than  a dozen  healthy  persons, 
who  will  receive  no  more  provisions  out  of  the  public  store  until 
they  earn  them.”  This  notice  proved  inefficient,  except  as  it  gave 
occasion  for  the  expression  of  more  seditious  sentiments  and  a 
bolder  violation  of  the  laws. 

On  the  19th,  Mr.  Ashmun  directed  the  rations  of  the  offending 
individuals  to  be  stopped.  The  next  morning  tliey^ assembled  in 
a riotous  manner  at  the  agency  house,  and  endeavoured  by  angry 
denunciations  to  drive  the  Governor  from  his  purpose  ; finding  him 
inflexible,  they  proceeded  to  the  store  house,  where  the  commis- 
sary was  at  that  moment  issuing  rations  for  the  week,  and  seizing 
each  a portion  of  the  provisions,  hastened  to  their  respective 
houses. 

The  same  day,  Mr.  Ashmun  addressed  a circular  to  all  the  co- 


16 


lonists,  in  which  he  made  so  powerful  an  appeal  to  their  patriotism 
and  to  their  consciences,  and  so  decidedly  expressed  his  own  deter- 
mination to  maintain  authority,  that  the  disaffected  returned  to 
their  duty.  The  leader  of  the  sedition  confessed  his  error,  and  by 
the  rectitude  of  his  after  life,  nobly  redeemed  his  character. 

1824. 

On  the  13th  of  February,  the  ship  Cyrus  arrived  with  105  emi- 
grants, mostly  from  Petersburg,  Virginia.  The  accession  of  this 
company  was  hailed  by  all  as  a joyful  event — especially  as  it  com- 
prised an  unusual  amount  of  intelligence,  industry  and  morality. 
But  the  cordial  greetingsand  kind  interchanges  of  friendly  offices, 
which  made  this  a scene  of  happiness  and  hope,  were  soon  suc- 
ceeded by  sadness  and  gloom.  Within  four  weeks  all  the  new 
emigrants  were  attacked  by  the  fever.  'I  here  was  no  regular 
physician  in  the  colony,  the  number  of  buildings  bore  no  propor- 
tion to  the  number  of  emigrants,  and  by  a strange  neglect,  the 
provisions  supplied  for  the  expedition  were  wholly  inadequate, 
while  the  dispensary  contained  little  that  was  suitable  for  the 
sick. 

Rev.  Lot  Cary,  a colonist,  who  had  before  rendered  important 
service  to  the  colony,  undertook  the  care  of  the  sick ; and,  indebt- 
ed solely  for  his  medical  skill  to  his  good  sense,  observation,  and 
what  experience  he  had  gained  in  the  colony,  his  success  was 
remarkable.  Only  three  died. 

All  these  evils  were  light  compared  with  those  which  the  spirit 
of  revolt  and  anarchy  threatened  to  bring  upon  the  colony.  De- 
ficient in  education  and  ill  informed  on  many  of  the  important  re- 
lations and  duties  of  human  society,  dazzled  and  misled  by  false 
notions  of  freedom,  disappointed  in  some  of  their  expectations, 
and  tried  by  affliction,  a few  individuals  still  continued  utterly  to 
disregard  the  authority  of  the  Agent,  and  sought  to  persuade 
others  to  imitate  their  example. 

On  the  19th  of  March,  the  rations  were  reduced  one  half,  as  it 
was  found,  that  so  diminished,  the  supplies  would  last  not  more 
than  five  weeks.  This  act  of  prudence  was  counted  by  the  mal- 
contents an  act  of  oppression,  and  they  reproached  the  Agent  in 
his  presence. 

On  the  morning  of  the  22d,  Mr.  Ashmun  assembled  the  people 
and  represented  to  them  the  advantages  and  necessity  of  subordi- 
nation, the  evils  which  had  already  resulted  to  them  from  disobe- 
dience, especially  that  their  neglect  to  cultivate  the  rich  soil  which 
surrounded  them,  had  reduced  them  to  their  present  want — re- 
minded them  of  the  expenditures,  toils  and  sacrifices  made  by  the 
society  and  its  officers  in  their  behalf,  the  distinguished  privileges 
they  enjoyed,  and  the  bright  prospects  in  reversion,  urged  upon 
them  the  obligation  of  their  oaths,  and  declared  his  determination 


17 


to  enforce  the  laws  by  a rigid  exercise  of  his  authority,  unless  they 
immediately  returned  to  their  allegiance. 

Most  of  the  settlers  tacitly  assented  to  the  truth  and  justice  of 
this  address,  and  Mr.  Ashmun  adopted  every  measure  in  his  power 
to  relieve  and  preserve  the  colony,  but  the  colonists  afforded  him 
no  vigorous  support.  The  spirit  of  disorganization  was  at  work, 
deranging  all  the  movements  of  government.  The  Agent  had 
some  months  before  declared  to  the  board,  that  in  his  opinion  “ the 
evil  was  incurable  by  any  of  the  remedies  which  fall  within  their 
existing  provisions.”  He  now  prepared  and  forwarded  despatches 
containing  his  reflections  on  the  state  of  the  colony,  and  the  in- 
creasing elements  of  turbulence  and  danger,  threatening  its  speedy 
ruin. 

Soon  after  this,  he  was  obliged  to  leave  the  Cape  on  account  of 
his  health,  which,  under  his  accumulated  trials,  had  become  entire- 
ly prostrated ; appointing  E.  Johnson  superintendent  of  affairs, 
he  sailed  for  Cape  De  Yerd  Islands  on  the  1st  of  April. 

The  remonstrances  sent  home  by  some  of  the  colonists,  and  the 
communications  of  the  Agent  had  convinced  the  Board,  that 
immediate  and  strong  measures  were  required  to  prevent  the  sub- 
version of  the  Colony,  and  the  total  extinction  of  their  hopes.  They 
wrote  a reply  to  the  remonstrance,  and  an  address  to  the  colonists 
generally,  in  which  they  declared  that  the  agents  must  be  obeyed, 
or  the  colony  abandoned.  They  asserted  their  determination  to 
punish  offenders,  while  they  assisted  the  obedient,  and  affection- 
ately encouraged  all  the  sober  and  virtuous  to  maintain  the  peace, 
and  guard,  as  their  very  life,  the  authority  of  the  laws. 

These  documents  were  scarcely  despatched  when  letters  were 
, received  from  the  colony,  charging  Mr.  Ashmun  with  oppression, 
the  neglect  of  obvious  duties,  the  desertion  of  his  post,  and  the 
seizure  and  abduction  of  the  public  property.  These  charges 
were  confirmed  by  various  verbal  , reports  of  officers  of  the  United 
States  Navy,  and  others  who  had  touched  at  Montserado,  soon 
after  his  departure,  and  there  listened  to  these  calumnies. 

The  Board  applied  to  the  Government  to  send  a vessel  to 
the  colony  with  some  individual  duly  commissioned,  both  by 
the  government  and  the  society,  to  examine  the  condition  of  the 
colony,  redress  grievances,  and  correct  abuses.  The  Rev.  R.  R. 
Gurley,  Secretary  of  the  Society,  was  appointed  to  this  service, 
and  embarked  at  Norfolk,  late  in  June,  1824,  in  the  United  States 
schooner  Porpoise,  Capt.  Skinner. 

Arriving  at  the  Cape  De  Yerds,  2ith  of  July,  Mr.  Gurley  there 
found  Mr.  Ashmun,  to  whom  he  communicated  the  object  of  his 
visit  to  Africa,  and  the  extent  of  the  powers  with  which  he  was 
clothed.  Ashmun,  who  desired  the  fullest  investigation  of  his 
official  conduct,  returned  by  the  Porpoise  to  the  colony,  where  she 
arrived  on  the  13th  of  August.  On  a full  inquiry,  Mr.  Gurley 
was  not  only  satisfied  of  the  integrity  and  purity  of  Mr.  Ashmun’s 


18 


character,  but  of  his  firmness  and  sound  judgment,  as  well  as  the 
admirable  adaptedness  of  his  talents  to  the  extraordinary  crises 
through  which  he  had  passed. 

Both  these  gentlemen  applied  themselves  with  the  utmost  dili- 
gence to  removing  all  causes  of  complaint.  Widows,  orphans, 
the  infirm  and  helpless,  were  provided  for.  A large  share  in  the 
management  of  their  political  affairs  was  conceded  to  the  colo- 
nists. 

The  decisions  of  the  commissioners,  with  the  plan  of  govern- 
ment to  be  recommended  to  the  board,  were  read  and  explained  to 
the  colonists,  which,  without  a dissenting  voice,  they  pronounced 
satisfactory ; and  being  assembled  in  the  first  rude  house  of  wor- 
ship ever  erected  in  the  colony,  they  solemnly  pledged  themselves 
before  God,  to  support  the  constitution  agreed  upon,  and  faithful- 
ly to  sustain  the  great  trust  committed  to  their  hands.  Mutual 
confidence  was  completely  restored  between  the  people  and  the 
agent,  and  if  the  colonists  in  the  extremity  of  their  suffering  had 
injured  Mr.  Ashmun,  their  error  was  atoned  for  by  the  most  res- 
pectful subordination  to  his  authority,  and  the  kindest  regard  for 
his  personal  comfort  during  his  future  stay  in  Africa. 

This  period  may  be  considered  as  almost  the  commencement  of 
their  establishment.  Contentment,  industry,  peace  and  general 
comfort  now  succeeded  to  the  sufferings,  disappointments,  alarms 
and  dissensions,  which  had  prevailed  in  the  colony,  during  the 
previous  four  years  of  its  struggling  existence. 

The  commissioner  left,  on  his  return  to  the  United  States,  the 
22d  of  August.  Mr.  Ashmun  explored  the  country,  and  finding  a 
rich  tract  of  land  lying  on  the  south  side  of  the  St.  Paul’s  river, pos- 
sessing great  advantages  for  agricultural  purposes,  he  opened  a ne- 
gotiation with  the  kings  of  the  country  for  the  purchase,  and  suc- 
ceeded in  obtaining  twenty  miles  on  the  river,  and  from  three  to 
nine  miles  back.  On  this  tract  a town  was  laid  out  on  a beauti- 
ful point  six  miles  from  Monrovia,  which  was  at  first  called  St. 
Paul’s,  but  afterward  changed  to  Caldwell. 

1825. 

On  the  13th  of  March,  the  brig  Hunter  from  Norfolk,  Va.  with 
66  emigrants  arrived.  These  emigrants  were  principally  farmers 
and  settled  at  Caldwell,  preferring  this  situation,  although  an  un- 
broken forest,  and  exposed  to  the  depredations  of  the  wild  Afri- 
cans, on  account  of  the  rich  soil.  The  fever,  which  attacked 
nearly  all,  within  a month  after  their  arrival  in  the  colony,  was 
greatly  protracted  and  increased  in  violence  from  the  want  of  pro- 
per medical  treatment.  The  Board  had  failed  to  procure  a physi- 
cian. Lot  Carey  again  interposed  his  good  offices  and  acted  as 
their  friend  and  physician,  and  was  very  successful  in  saving  his 
patients. 

Recovered  from  the  seasoning  fever,  these  emigrants  applied 


19 


themselves  with  so  much  industry,  that  soon  their  farms  extended 
a mile  and  a half  on  the  rich  flats  of  the  river,  and  they  were  en- 
joying health  and  plenty. 

At  this  period  the  slave  trade  was  carried  on  extensively  within 
sight  of  Monrovia.  Ffteen  vessels  were  engaged  in  it  at  the  same 
time,  almost  under  the  guns  of  the  settlement;  and  in  July  of  this 
year,  a contract  was  existing  for  eight  hundred  slaves  to  be  fur- 
nished, in  the  short  space  of  four  months, within  eight  miles  of  the 
Cape.  Four  hundred  of  these  were  to  be  purchased  for  two  Ameri- 
can traders.  The  Agent  had  no  power  either  to  arrest  or  pun- 
ish these  pirates,  but  he  determined  to  employ  the  whole  influence 
of  the  colony  against  this  accursed  traffic.  He  explored  the  whole 
line  of  coast  from  Cape  Mount  to  Trade  Town,  and  sought,  by 
treaties  with  the  chiefs,  to  effect  the  exclusion  of  the  slave  traders 
from  the  country,  while,  within  the  ligitimate  jurisdiction  of  the 
colony,  he  determined  to  enforce  the  laws  against  them  with  the 
utmost  rigor. 

In  the  month  of  August,  a flagrant  piracy  was  perpetrated  by 
the  crew  of  a Spanish  schooner,  (the  Clarida,)  employed  in  the 
slave  trade,  on  an  English  brig,  lying  at  anchor  off  the  town  of 
Monrovia.  Mr.  Ashmun  did  not  hesitate  as  to  the  course  of  duty. 
Ample  testimony  was  taken  to  prove  the  piracy.  The  English 
brig  was  placed  under  his  direction.  A call  upon  the  colonial 
militia  was  promptly  responded  to,  and  an  expedition  was  imme- 
diately set  on  foot  against  the  Spanish  factory  a few  miles  north 
of  Monrovia. 

The  Spanish  schooner  was  not  to  be  found,  the  factory  with  a 
small  amount  of  property,  and  a number  of  slaves  were  captured 
without  resistance,  and  the  native  chiefs  bound  themselves  to  as- 
sist in  no  way  in  collecting  or  transporting  out  of  the  country  any 
of  the  slaves,  bargained  for  by  the  commander  of  the  Clarida. 

In  proof  of  the  good  discipline  of  the  colonists,  and  their  sense  of 
justice  towards  the  natives,  it  may  be  stated  that  not  a single  in- 
stance of  disorderly  conduct  occurred  among  the  fifty-four  men 
who  composed  this  expedition.  The  natives,  into  whose  country' 
they  had  marched,  expressed  their  amazement  at  the  regard  paid 
to  their  persons  and  property,  and  several  of  the  chiefs  sent  deputa- 
tions to  thank  the  governor  for  his  justice  and  humanity. 

About  this  time  a most  daring  robbery  was  committed  by  a 
•Krooman  on  the  public  stores  at  Monrovia,  and  these  offences 
having  become  of  frequent  occurrence,  it  was  deemed  important  to 
arrest  the  offender.  A party  of  militia  was  ordered  to  accompany 
the  sheriff  to  the  Kroo  town  and  to  demand  redress.  Two  or 
three  of  the  party  fell  behind,  one  of  whom  fired  at  a Krooman 
and  mortally  wounded  him.  Ashmun  had  the  man  arrested  and 
tried  by  a jury.  It  was  proved  on  trial  that  the  offender  had 
misunderstood  his  orders,  he  was  however  sentenced  to  six  months 
imprisonment  or  a fine  of  one  hundred  bars,  which  sum  was  paid 
over  to  the  family  of  the  deceased  and  was  perfectly  satisfactory 
to  the  Kroo  nation. 


20 


A short  time  after  the  destruction  of  the  Spanish  slave  factory, 
Mr.  Ashmun  discovered  that  a plan  had  been  formed  between  the 
Captain  of  the  Clarida,  some  of  the  native  chiefs,  and  a French 
slave  dealer  on  the  St.  Paul’s,  for  violating  the  engagement  by 
which  the  slaves  originally  destined  for  the  pirate,  were  to  be  de- 
livered over  to  the  colony.  He  was  induced,  in  consequence,  to 
break  up  two  other  slave  factories,  and  to  offer  to  the  chiefs  con- 
cerned in  the  transactions  of  the  Clarida,  a bounty  of  ten  dollars 
for  each  slave,  which,  in  pursuance  of  their  agreement,  they  should 
resign  up  to  the  colonial  agent.  The  consequence  of  this  was, 
that  one  hundred  and  sixteen  slaves  were  soon  received  into  the 
colony  as  freemen. 

At  the  close  of  this  year,  the  Agent  presented  to  the  managers 
a complete  view  of  the  condition,  relations,  character  and  prospects 
of  the  colony.  He  stated  that  health  had  been  for  some  months 
restored;  that  adults,  resident  for  some  time  in  Africa,  preferred  its 
climate  to  any  other,  and  enjoyed  as  good  health  as  in  America — 
and  that  the  settlers  generally  lived  in  a style  of  neatness  and  com- 
fort. Two  commodious  chapels,  each  sufficient  to  contain  seve- 
ral hundred  worshippers,  had  been  erected  and  consecrated  to  God. 
A small  schooner  had  been  built  and  put  upon  the  rice  trade  be- 
tween Cape  Montserado  and  the  Factories  at  the  leward,  adapted 
to  the  passage  of  the  bars  of  the  rivers  on  that  part  of  the  coast. 
The  militia  of  the  settlement  was  well  organized,  equipped  and 
disciplined.  In  addition  to  the  valuable  tract  of  country  purchas- 
ed on  the  St.  Paul’s,  the  right  of  occupancy  and  use  had  been  ob- 
tained to  the  lands  at  the  Young  Sesters,  and  at  Grand  Bassa,  and 
Factories  established  at  both  of  those  places.  Five  schools,  ex- 
clusive of  Sunday  schools,  were  in  operation. 

The  people  were  obedient  to  the  laws ; their  moral  character  had 
improved  ; the  preponderance  of  example  and  of  influence  was  on 
the  side  of  virtue ; and  the  colony  was,  in  reality , a Christian  com- 
munity. He  observed  that  as  “the  great  secret  of  the  improving  cir- 
cumstances of  the  colony  is  in  the  controling  influence  of  religion 
on  the  temper  and  happiness  of  the  people,  I should  greatly  wrong 
the  cause  of  truth  by  suppressing  a topic  of  such  leading  impor- 
tance. The  holy  author  of  our  religion  and  salvation  has  made  the 
hearts  of  a large  portion  of  these  people  the  temples  of  the  Divine 
Spirit.  The  faith  of  the  everlasting  gospel  has  become  to  them  the 
animating  spring  of  action,  the  daily  rule  of  life,  the  source  of  im- 
mortal hope,  and  of  ineffable  enjoyment.  Occurrences  of  a favora- 
ble or  desponding  aspect  are  regarded  as  dispensations  of  the  Al- 
mighty, and  followed  with  corresponding  feelings  of  gratitude  or 
humiliation. 

He  testified  to  the  good  effects  of  the  colony  on  the  neighboring 
tribes.  The)7-  had  been  treated  as  men  and  brethren  of  a common 
family;  they  had  been  taught  that  one  of  the  ends  proposed  in 
founding  civilized  settlements  on  their  shore  was  to  do  them  good  ; 
they  had  learnt  something  of  the  great  and  interesting  truths  of  the 


21 


Christian  religion — and  sixty  of  their  children  had  been  adopted 
as  children  of  the  colony.  No  man  of  the  least  consideration  in 
the  country  would  desist  from  his  importunities,  till  at  least  one 
of  his  sons  was  fixed  in  some  settler’s  family. 

1826. 

On  the  4th  of  January,  the  brig  Vine,  with  34  emigrants,  a mis- 
sionary, (the  Rev.  Calvin  Holton,)  and  a printer,  accompanied  by 
the  Rev.  Horace  Sessions,  an  agent  of  the  Society,  sailed  from 
Boston  and  arrived  at  Monrovia  on  the  7th  of  February.  A print- 
ing press,  with  necessary  appendages,  a valuable  supply  of  books 
and  other  important  articles  were  sent  out  in  this  vessel  by  the 
generous  citizens  of  Boston,  who  assumed  the  entire  expense  of  the 
printing  establishment  for  the  first  year. 

The  Indian  Chief,  with  154  persons,  left  Norfolk  on  the  15th  of 
February,  and  arrived  on  the  22d  March.  One  hundred  and 
thirty-nine  of  these  emigrants  were  from  North  Carolina.  In  this 
vessel,  Dr.  John  W.  Peaco  went  out,  as  United  States  agent,  for 
the  recaptured  Africans.  He  was  also  employed  by  the  Society  to 
act  as  assistant  agent  and  physician  of  the  colony. 

The  entire  company  which  arrived  in  the  Vine,  were  soon  at- 
tacked by  the  worst  form  of  African  fever,  and  about  half  their 
number,  including  Messrs.  Sessions,  Holton,  and  Force,  (the  prin- 
ter,) fell  victims  to  its  power.  A large  majority  of  this  company  of 
emigrants  were  pious,  steady,  industrious  and  intelligent ; and  the 
young  men,  who  in  the  spirit  of  Christian  benevolence  had  accom- 
panied them,  were  worthy  to  become  martys  in  such  a cause. 

Of  the  emigrants  who  came  in  the  Indian  Chief,  only  three  out  of 
the  whole  number,  (and  two  of  these  small  children,)  died  in  the 
course  of  the  season,  while  the  remainder  suffered  very  little  during 
the  period  of  acclimation,  and  were  soon  actively  engaged  in  the 
laborious  duties  of  a frontier  life. 

A tract  of  land  lying  along  the  Stockton  Creek  and  St.  Paul’s 
river  was  surveyed,  and  as  early  as  June,  no  less  than  thirty-three 
plantations  on  the  Creek,  and  seventy-seven  at  Caldwell  were  oc- 
cupied. Cheered  and  animated  by  the  thriving  condition  of  the 
colony,  and  the  prosperous  settlement  of  the  newly  arrived  colo- 
nists, the  Agent  wrote  to  the  Board  for  more  emigrants.  “ If  they 
come  from  the  South,”  said  he,  “ they  cannot  come  very  unsea- 
sonably in  any  part  of  the  year.  More  funds,  more  activity, 
more  emigrants,  and  1 am  satisfied.” 

“A  Spanish  schooner,  the  Minerva,  while  waiting  for  the  col- 
lection of  her  cargo  of  300  slaves,  at  Trade  Town,  had  committed 
piracy  on  American  and  other  vessels,  and  obtained  possession  of 
several  recaptured  Africans  belonging  to  the  United  States  Agency 
in  Liberia.  Mr.  Ashmun,  as  agent  of  the  United  States,  demanded 
of  the  Spanish  Factor  and  native  authorities  of  that  place,  the 
restoration  of  these  Africans,  and  threatened,  in  case  of  refusal,  “to 


22 


destroy,  as  soon  as  Providence  should  grant  him  power,  entirely 
and  lor  ever,  that  nest  of  iniquity.”  The  demand  was  treated  with 
contempt.  Intelligence  of  the  character  of  the  Spanish  schooner 
was  communicated  by  Mr.  Ashmun  to  the  commander  of  the 
French  brig  of  war,  who  soon  captured  her,  though  her  establish- 
ment on  shore,  at  which  two  hundred  and  seventy-six  slaves 
were  ready  to  be  shipped  to  America,  remained  unmolested. 

Early  in  January,  goods  were  landed  at  Trade  Town,  from  a 
French  schooner,  the  Perle,  sufficient  for  the  purchase  of  two 
hundred  and  forty  slaves , though  in  April  she  had  obtained  but 
one  hundred  and  twenty-six. 

A Brigantine,  the  Teresa,  from  Havana,  armed  with  seven  large 
carriage  guns,  and  manned  with  forty-two  men,  with  goods  for  the 
purchase  of  three  himdred  slaves , arrived  in  March,  landed 
about  one-third  of  the  cargo,  and  had  commenced  her  traffic. 

Three  slave  factories  were  in  full  operation  at  Trade  Town 
guarded  by  two  vessels,  mounting  between  them  eleven  carriage 
guns,  and  having  a complement  of  sixty  men  and  twenty  more 
on  shore,  all  well  armed ; when  on  the  9th  of  April,  arrived  at 
Monrovia,  the  Colombian  armed  schooner,  Jacinto,  Captain  Chase, 
who,  in  accordance  with  the  instructions  of  his  government, 
offered  to  co-operate  with  Dr.  Peaco  (then  principal  agent  of  the 
United  States  for  the  recaptured  Africans)  and  Mr.  Ashmun,  in 
any  plan  they  might  adopt  for  the  punishment  of  these  offenders. 
The  offer  of  Captain  Chase  was  accepted ; and  on  the  10th  of 
April,  Mr.  Ashmun,  accompanied  by  Captain  Cochran,  of  the 
Indian  Chief,  who  generously  offered  to  become  his  aid,  and  thirty- 
two  volunteers  of  the  colonial  militia,  embarked  in  the  Jacinto, 
and  arrived  off  Trade  Town  on  the  11th,  where  they  had  the 
happiness  to  find  anchored,  the  Colombian  Brig  of  war,  El  Yinci- 
dor,  Captain  Cottrell,  mounting  twelve  guns,  which  had  the  same 
afternoon  captured,  after  a short  action,  the  Brigantine  Teresa. 

Captain  Cottrell  agreed  to  unite  his  forces  with  those  of  the 
colony  and  Jacinto  in  an  attack  on  the  place.  It  was  resolved  to 
attempt  a landing  on  the  morning  of  the  12th,  on  the  bar  of  the 
river  in  front  of  the  town,  where  the  passage  is  only  eight  yards 
wide,  lined  on  both  sides  with  rocks,  and  across  which,  at  that 
time,  the  surf  broke  so  furiously  as  to  endanger  even  light  boats, 
and  leave  scarce  a hope  of  the  safety  of  barges  filled  with  armed 
men. 

The  Spaniards  were  seen  drawn  up  on  the  beach  within  half  mus- 
ket range  of  the  bar.  The  brig  and  schooner  were  ordered  to  open 
afire  on  the  town, but  owing  to  their  distance  their  shot  produced 
no  effect  except  to  disperse  the  unarmed  natives  who  had  assem- 
bled as  spectators  of  the  scene. 

The  two  boats  in  advance,  commanded  by  Captains  Chase  and 
Cottrell,  were  exposed  to  a rapid  fire  from  the  enemy  and  were 
filled  by  the  surf  before  they  reached  the  shore.  Their  crews, 


23 


though  few  of  them  landed  with  dry  arms,  forced  the  Spaniards 
back  into  the  town.  The  flag  boat,  in  which  were  Mr.  Ash  mu  n, 
Captain  Cochran,  and  twenty-four  men,  was  upset  and  dashed 
upon  the  rocks ; several  of  the  men  (among  whom  was  Mr.  Ash- 
mun)  injured,  and  some  of  the  arms,  with  all  the  ammunition,  lost. 
Captain  Barbour,  a colonist,  observing  the  dangers  of  those  who 
preceded  him,  run  his  boat  a little  to  the  left  of  the  river’s  mouth, 
and  thus  landed  in  safety. 

Though  met  by  a galling  fire  from  a party  of  Spaniards  and 
natives  at  the  water’s  edge,  Captain  Barbour  formed  the  colonists, 
under  his  command,  with  the  utmost  coolness,  and  attacked  the 
enemy  with  such  vigor  that  they  soon  broke  and  fled  to  the  town. 
The  colonists,  joined  by  the  Colombians,  advanced  rapidly  upon 
the  town,  broke  down  the  slight  palisades,  and  before  the  fright- 
ened enemy  had  time  to  rally  behind  their  defences  fell  upon 
them,  and  drove  them  into  the  forest  in  the  greatest  confusion. 

As  soon  as  he  found  himself  in  quiet  possession  of  the  town, 
Mr.  Ashmun  despatched  a messenger  to  King  West  (the  principal 
native  chief)  demanding  the  delivery  of  all  the  slaves  belonging 
to  the  factories.  He  was  told  that  if  there  was  deception  or  unne- 
cessary delay  in  the  matter.  Trade  Town  should  not  exist  two 
days  longer.  On  the  same  day  the  Kroomen  of  King  West 
brought  in  thirty-eight  slaves  ; and  on  the  next  morning,  fifteen 
more ; the  latter,  a wretched  company,  evidently  the  reluse  of  all 
that  had  been  collected  at  the  station. 

The  natives  assembled,  and  united  their  forces  to  those  of  the 
Spaniards,  and  continued,  from  the  rear  of  their  towns,  and  under 
cover  of  the  woods,  to  pour  in,  at  frequent  intervals,  their  shot 
upon  their  invaders.  Captain  Woodside,  surgeon  of  the  Jacinto, 
, was  severely  wounded,  and  several  of  the  colonial  militia  slightly. 

Every  man  under  the  command  of  the  colonial  agent,  lay  on  his 
arms  during  the  night  of  the  12th  ; and  until  noon  on  the  13th, 
every  disposition  was  evinced  by  Mr.  Ashmun  to  settle  peacefully 
the  questions  which  had  excited  hostilities.  But  in  vain.  At  12 
on  that  day  the  boats  were  prepared,  just  outside  the  breakers,  to 
receive  on  board  the  rescued  slaves ; at  two,  the  canoes  began 
to  carry  off  the  mariners,  and  at  half  past  three,  all  were  em- 
barked, the  officers  leaving  the  shore  last,  and  haring  set  fire  to 
the  principal  buildings  of  the  town.  The  flames  communicated 
* with  the  utmost  rapidity  to  every  roof ; and  the  town  exhibited  a 
single  immense  mass  of  flame  before  the  canoes  could  get  off 
from  the  beach.  The  moment  they  reached  the  boats  the  explo- 
sion of  two  hundred  and  fifty  casks  of  powder  at  the  same  instant 
swept  every  vestige  of  what  was  once  Trade  Town  from  the 
ground  on  which  it  stood. 

The  destruction  of  Trade  Town  contributed  more  to  the  sup- 
pression of  the  slave  trade  on  the  western  coast  of  Africa,  north 
of  the  Bight  of  Benin,  than  any  one  single  event,  except  only  the 


24 


enactments  of  the  English  and  American  legislatures.*  It  con- 
vinced every  slave  trader  along  the  coast  that  his  commerce  was 
insecure,  and  the  natives  over  a great  extent  of  country,  that  a 
powerful  enemy  to  their  crimes  had  gained  establishment  on  their 
shore. 

From  May  to  October,  Mr.  Ashmun  was  confined  to  his  room 
in  consequence  of  the  injury  received  at  Trade  Town.  Dr.  Peaco 
was  absent  from  Liberia  several  weeks  during  this  period,  to  settle 
certain  claims  held  at  Sierra  Leone  against  the  United  States 
Agency  in  Liberia.  But  the  colony  was  not  neglected.  Mr.  Ash- 
mun was  able  to  attend  to  the  business  of  his  agency,  and  direct- 
ed several  important  measures  for  improving  the  condition  and  ex- 
tending the  influence  and  territory  of  the  colony.  To  encourage 
agriculture,  he  granted  leases  of  the  public  grounds  in  the  vicinity 
of  Monrovia,  for  three  years,  rent  free,  on  condition  that  the  les- 
sees should  proceed  immediately  to  clear,  enclose  and  improve 
them.  He  imposed  a tax  of  two  dollars  a head  on  all  land  holders 
for  the  purpose  of  raising  funds  for  the  construction  of  a town 
school-house.  Although  this  act  occasioned  expressions  of  the 
wildest  and  most  absurd  notions  on  the  subject  of  taxation  and  re- 
publican liberty,  he  persevered  in  collecting  the  tax. 

The  government  of  Sierra  Leone  had  put  the  line  of  coast  from 
that  place  to  the  Gallinas,  under  blockade  for  the  suppression  of 
the  slave  trade.  This  measure  operated  favorably  for  the  Ameri- 
can Colonies,  as  the  exclusion  of  the  ordinary  commerce  induced 
the  chiefs  of  Cape  Mount  to  open  a regular  trade  with  the  colonists 
which  made  the  supply  of  rice,  and  other  African  provisions  un- 
usually cheap  and  abundant. 

The  brig  John, Captain  Clough,  from  Portland, and  the  schooner 
Bona,  from  Baltimore,  were  plundered  on  the  27th  July,  when 
lying  at  anchor  off  the  town  of  Monrovia  by  a piratical  brig, 
mounting  twelve  guns,  and  manned  chiefly  by  Spaniards — the 
former  of  two  thousand  five  hundred  dollars,  and  the  latter  of  two 
thousand  eight  hundred  and  sixty  dollars. 

Intelligence  reached  the  colony,  nearly  at  the  same  time  that 
eight  vessels  engaged  in  the  slave  trade,  had  resolved  to  make 
Tradetown  the  station  for  their  traffic,  that  they  had  commenced  a 
battery  on  shore,  and  were  determined  to  defend  themselves 
against  any  force  which  might  be  brought  against  them.  It  is  well 
known  that  the  slave  trade  was,  at  this  time,  the  pretext  for  fitting 
out  piratical  vessels  from  Havana.  Scarcely  an  American  trading 
vessel  had  for  the  last  twelve  months  been  on  this  coast  as  low  as 
six  degrees,  North,  without  suffering  either  insult  or  plunder  from 
these  Spaniards. 

In  this  state  of  things,  Mr.  Ashmun  directed  that  a strong  bat- 
tery should  be  immediately  erected  near  the  termination  of  the 


♦ The  American  Government  at  this  time  rigorously  enforced  her  laws  against 
the  slave  trade  by  means  of  armed  cruisers  on  the  coast. 


25 


cape,  for  the  protection  of  ships  at  anchor  in  the  roadstead,  while 
he  represented  to  the  Hon.  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  the  absolute 
necessity  of  the  presence  of  a sloop  of  war  for  the  defence  of 
American  commerce  on  the  coast.  His  influence  and  authority 
with  the  native  chiefs,  however,  contributed  more  than  any  other 
means  to  prevent  the  destruction  of  the  colonial  factories  and  the 
threatened  subversion  of  the  colony.  The  boats  furnished  by  the 
government  were  of  great  utility  ; they  enabled  him  to  maintain 
the  establishment  at  the  Sesters,  although  within  five  miles  of 
Trade  Town, and  to  keep  up  an  intercourse,  even  at  that  inclement 
season,  along  the  beach  with  Bassa  factory. 

On  the  18th  of  August,  Dr.  Peaco,  whose  health  was  much  re- 
duced by  repeated  attacks  ot  fever,  embarked  in  the  brig  John  for 
the  United  States.  This  vessel  was  the  first  of  a regular  line  of 
packets  intended  to  run  between  the  United  States  and  Liberia; 
an  arrangement  which  promised  a great  benefit  to  the  colonies,  as 
well  as  profit  to  the  owners,  but  on  account  of  exposure  to  slave 
traders  and  pirates,  and  the  general  want  of  security  for  American 
vessels  on  the  coast,  the  line  was  discontinued. 

Coincident  with  the  departure  of  Dr.  Peaco,  was  the  death  of 
Mr.  Hodges,  a boat  builder  from  Norfolk,  which  left  Mr.  Ashmun, 
for  the  seventh  time,  the  only  white  man  in  the  colony. 

The  first  political  contest  in  the  colony,  occurred  this  year.  A 
few  individuals  belonging  to  the  Independent  Volunteer  Company, 
.composed  of  high  spirited  young  men,  all  excellent  soldiers,  but 
bad  politicians,  took  offence  at  certain  restrictive  regulations,  and 
particularly  at  the  summary  method,  which  on  the  failure  of  all 
others,  had  been  adopted  to  raise  money  for  most  necessary  im- 
provements in  the  town.  By  zeal  and  activity,  they  soon  formed 
a party,  went  forward  in  a body  to  the  polls,  and  while  the  more 
sober  part  of  the  community  were  little  aware  of  any  political 
danger,  elected  their  own  candidate  for  the  Vice  Agency.  The 
Colonial  Agent  refused  to  confirm  the  chosen  candidate  in  office, 
and  stated  his  reasons,  which  were  entirely  of  a political  nature. 

In  the  afternoon,  a circular  was  issued  to  this  effect ; “ That  the 
right  of  election  conferred  by  the  board  of  managers  on  the  peo- 
ple of  the  colony,  as  it  never  had  been,  so  it  never  should  be  inter- 
fered with  by  the  Agent ; consequently  appointments  to  offices  of 
trust  in  the  colony,  once  legally  made  by  the  concurrence  of  the 
popular  choice,  with  his  own  approbation,  should  never  be  re- 
scinded by  any  arbitrary  act  on  his  part,  and  that  the  actual  incum- 
bents must  remain  in  their  office  till  removed  in  the  only  way  pre- 
scribed by  the  constitution,  thatfis,  by  vote  of  a majority  of  the 
electors  of  the  colony.”  A minority  only  having  voted,  the 
polls  were  kept  open  until  the  next  day,  the  whole  body  of 
voters  attended,  and  by  a large  majority  elected  men  well  qualified 
for  the  offices,  and  whose  appointment  was  immediately  confirm- 
ed by  the  colonial  agent. 


26 


The  frames  of  two  small  schooners  had  been  brought  out  in  the 
Indian  Chief ; one  of  them,  the  Catharine,  was  completed  and 
launched  in  October.  Trifling  as  this  circumstance  may  seem,  it 
was  really  an  important  event  to  the  colony,  although  but  ten  tons 
burthen,  the  Catharine  carried  a brass  six  pounder,  pivot  mounted, 
and  being  strongly  manned  and  well  armed  with  muskets,  board- 
ing pistols  and  cutlasses,  she  was  thus  prepared  lor  defence  against 
the  piratical  slave  traders,  afforded  a commodious  conveyance  lor 
the  produce  of  the  country,  and  enabled  the  agent  to  visit  a long 
line  of  coast,  to  extend  the  relations  of  the  colony,  and  bind  toge- 
ther their  establishments. 

At  the  close  of  the  year  1826,  the  colony  was  blessed  with 
health,  peace  and  prosperity.  Its  commerce  had  greatly  increased, 
new  settlements  had  been  founded,  and  much  progress  made  during 
the  year,  in  the  construction  of  public  buildings  and  works  of  de- 
fence. Fort  Stockton  had  been  rebuilt,  and  a battery  nearly  com- 
pleted on  the  extremity  of  the  cape.  A large  building  capable  of 
accommodating  one  hundred  and  fifty  emigrants,  had  been  finish- 
ed. The  new  agency  house,  market  house,  Lancasterian  school 
house,  and  town  house  in  Monrovia  were  far  advanced,  and  the 
government  house  at  Caldwell  nearly  completed. 

A room  had  been  set  apart  in  the  wingol  the  old  Agency  house 
for  the  colonial  library  consisting  of  1200  vol.  systematically  ar- 
ranged in  glazed  ca^es.  Files  of  American  newspapers  were  here 
also  preserved,  and  it  was  intended  to  render  this  department  both 
a reading  room,  and  a museum  for  African  curiosities. 

The  purchase  of  Factory  Island  had  been  definitely  concluded, 
and  a perpetual  grant,  rent-free,  obtained  of  a fine  tract  of  country 
lying  between  the  two  Junk  Rivers.  Five  of  the  most  important 
stations  on  t he  line  of  coast  from  Cape  Mount  to  Trade  Town,  one 
hundred  and  fifty  miles,  now  belonged  to  the  colony  either  by 
purchase,  or  by  deeds  of  perpetual  lease  ; and  all  Europeans  were 
excluded  from  any  possession  within  these  limits. 

The  tract  granted  to  the  society  at  the  Young  Sesters  river  in 
1825,  situated  in  the  midst  of  a fruitful  rice  country,  abounding 
in  Palm  oil,  camwood  and  ivory,  included  all  the  land  on  each  side 
to  the  distance  of  half  a league,  extending  from  the  river’s  mouth 
to  its  source. 

In  December,  of  this  year,  the  agent  wrote  thus  to  the  Board  : 
“We  still  enjoy  a state  of  profound  tranquility,  as  regards  our  re- 
lations with  all  the  tribes  of  the  country.  The  last  season  was 
most  abundantly  prolific  in  rice  ; and  never  have  our  settlements 
been  in  so  favorable  a state  to  admit,  I may  add,  to  require , a very 
large  addition  of  settlers,  as  at  the  present  moment.” 

All  this  region  of  Africa  opens  its  bosom  for  the  reception  of 
her  returning  children.  I rejoice  in  the  testimonials  furnished  of 
a growing  and  enlightened  interest  in  the  objects  of  your  Board 
among  the  American  people.  It  is  one  of  those  great  and  benevo- 
lent designs  on  which  the  merciful  father  of  all  mankind  loves  to 


27 


smile,  which  the  American  Colonization  Society  has  undertaken. 
Its  root  is  deep,  and  its  growth,  however  gradual,  I believe  to  be 
entirely  sure.  But  the  greatest  difficulties — for  difficulties  the 
cause  has  always  struggled  with,  I never  supposed  to  lie  on  this 
side  the  ocean.  To  obviate  prejudices,  and  unite  the  exertions,  and 
rouse  the  enterprise  of  the  whole  American  people,  this  is  the  great 
labor,  and  to  such  as  most  successfully  engage  in,  and  prosecute 
it,  will  be  chiefly  due  the  acknowledgments  of  posterity.” 

1827. 

The  repeated  acts  of  piracy  in  the  vicinity  of  the  colony,  and  the 
necessities  of  the  United  States  agency  within  its  limits,  induced 
the  Secretary  of  the  Navy  to  despatch  to  the  coast  the  United  States 
schooner  Shark,  under  command  of  Lieut.  Norris,  with  a supply 
of  arms  and  ammunition  for  the  colony.  This  vessel  arrived  at 
Monrovia  on  the  12th  of  January.  '1  he  commander  acting  in 
concert  with  the  colonial  agent,  did  much  to  suppress  the  slave 
trade  along  that  coast,  and  to  strengthen  sentiments  of  good  will  to- 
wards the  settlement  among  the  neighboring  tribes. 

Early  in  the  year,  a treaty  of  peace  was  concluded  between  the 
colonial  agent  and  the  principal  chief  of  Trade  Town,  by  which 
the  two  parties  were  bound,  mutually,  to  maintain  and  encourage 
between  them  friendly  intercourse  and  an  equitable  trade,  and  to 
regard  as  sacred  and  inviolable  the  persons  and  property  of  each 
other.  Soon  after,  the  colonial  factory  at  Young  Sesters  was  sus- 
pended, in  consequence  of  depredations  committed  upon  it  by  the 
surrounding  people,  and  especially,  on  account  of  a fierce  war  be- 
ginning to  rage  between  the  chiefs  of  that  country  and  Trade  Town. 
f Mr.  Ashmun  visited  both  of  these  places,  and  for  three  days,  was 
engaged  in  unavailing  efforts  to  reconcile  the  contending  parties. 
Both  agreed  to  respect  the  colonial  property,  and  both  offered  to 
give  to  the  colonial  agent,  the  whole  country  of  their  enemy,  pro- 
vided he  would  assist  them  to  subdue  it.  Freeman  (the  chief  of 
the  Young  Sesters  country)  and  his  allies,  engagedto  enrol  them- 
selves with  all  their  people  and  country,  as  vassals  and  fiefs  of  the 
colony,  on  condition  that  they  were  assisted  by  the  agent  and  his 
forces  against  their  foe  of  Trade  Town  ; “But  from  the  first,”  said 
Mr.  Ashmun,  “all  were  given  to  understand,  that  our  whole  force 
4 was  sacred  to  the  purpose  of  self-defence  alone,  against  the  injustice 

and  violence  of  the  unprincipled ; that  while  we  were  ready  to 
benefit  all  our  neighbors,  we  could  injure  none;  and  that  if  we 
could  not  prevent  or  settle  the  wars  of  the  country,  we  should  never 
er  take  part  in  them.” 

This  war  terminated  for  the  advantage  of  the  Sesters,  at  an  ear- 
lier period  than  was  expected,  the  colonial  property  confided  to 
King  Freeman,  had  been  scrupulously  preserved  amid  all  the  dis- 
order and  alarm  of  hostilities,  and  the  Factory  was  re-established. 


28 


The  chief  would,  he  said,  relinquish  one  half  of  all  his  territo- 
ries, rather  than  see  the  colonial  settlement,  in  the  midst  of  his 
people,  abandoned. 

In  March,  Mr.  Ashmun,  expecting  soon  to  leave  the  colony, 
wrote  to  the  Board  that  preparations  were  made  for  the  reception 
of  at  least  one  hundred  emigrants,  and  two  hundred  recaptured 
Africans,  and  added  “At  this  point,  formed  by  the  junction  of  the 
St.  Paul’s  and  Stockton  where  I reside,  I have  now  a most  commo- 
dious house  completely  furnished,  and  kitchen  and  out  houses  se- 
parate. There  is  also  a public  store  house  an  extensive  fortifica- 
tion, a block  house,  jail,  and  now  erecting,  a receptacle  foremigrants 
one  hundred  feet  in  length,  overlooking  both  rivers. 

At  the  Cape,  I have  just  completed  a new  and  extensive  ware- 
house, of  which  the  second  story  is  fitted  up  lor  a printing  office. 
Besides  this  building,  the  three  settlements  contain  no  less  than 
six  public  stores  and  ware  houses,  altogether  sufficient  to  store 
commodiously  more  public  property  than  will  soon  lind  its  way 
into  the  colony. 

I have  been  enabled  to  collect  an  ample  supply  of  rice,  and  hope 
to  leave  a sufficient  supply  of  provisions  and  other  necessaries  for 
all  the  dependent  of  the  agency — should  other  sources  by  accident 
be  closed  against  them,  during  my  absence.” 

On  the  11th  of  April,  the  brig  Doris,  Capt.  Mathews,  with  23 
emigrants,  most  of  them  from  North  Carolina,  arrived  at  the  colo- 
ny, after  a passage  of  forty-five  days.  These  people  suffered  but 
slightly  from  the  effects  of  the  climate,  and  at  an  early  day,  took 
up  their  residence  at  Caldwell.  Two  young  children  only  died. 
The  most  protracted  case  of  illness,  in  the  whole  number,  did  not 
last  longer  than  five  days. 

Soon  after  the  arrival  of  the  Doris,  Mr.  Ashmun  wrote  the 
Board:  “ I am  at  length  reluctantly  compelled  by  a sense  of  duty 
to  the  colony,  to  relinquish  my  intention,  so  long  indulged,  and  so 
fondly  cherished,  of  visiting  the  United  States  the  present  season. 
The  arrival  of  so  large  a company,  at  so  late  a period  of  the  dry 
season, — the  absence  of  my  colleague,  the  multiplicity  of  delicate 
and  arduous  duties  devolving  on  an  agent  in  consequence  of  the 
recent  extension  of  our  settlements — the  very  expensive  improve- 
ments commenced,  and  nearly , but  not  quite  completed,  are  mo- 
tives for  remaining,  to  which  1 dare  not  oppose  private  inclination; 
or  any  probable  good  which  might  grow  out  of  my  return  to  the 
United  States.” 

In  May,  the  schooner  Caroline  in  attempting  to  cross  the  bar  of 
the  river,  was  thrown  on  the  shore  and  seriously  injured.  This 
interrupted,  for  awhile,  the  conveyance  of  produce  from  the  fac- 
tories, and  made  it  necessary  to  buy  provisions  from  trading  ves- 
sels. The  exposure  of  the  Agent  in  endeavoring  to  save  the  Catha- 
rine, brought  on  a distressing  rheumatic  fever,  which  confined 
him  several  weeks,  and  obliged  him  to  be  some  time  absent  from 


29 


the  colony  on  an  excursion  to  Sierra  Leone  and  the  Rio  Pongos 
for  the  benefit  of  the  sea  air. 

The  ship  Norfolk  sailed  from  Savannah  on  the  10th  of  July 
with  142  recaptured  Africans,  and  arrived  at  Liberia  on  the  27th 
of  August.  In  seven  days  after  their  arrival,  Mr.  Ashmun  wrote, 
“ not  more  than  twenty  remain,  even  at  this  early  date,  a charge 
to  the  United  States.  Two-thirds  of  the  whole  number  have  situ- 
ations in  the  families  of  the  older  settlers  for  terms  of  from  one  to 
three  years.  The  remainder  are  at  service,  on  wages,  to  be  paid 
them  at  the  year’s  end,  when  it  is  my  intention  to  assign  them  their 
lands,  and  treat  them  in  all  respects  as  emigrants  from  the  United 
States,  unless  the  Board  shall,  in  the  interim,  direct  otherwise.” 

In  August  an  infirmary  was  established,  the  want  of  which  had 
long  been  felt.  This  establishment  was  not  designed  for  emi- 
grants during  their  acclimation,  but  to  secure  the  comfort  of  the 
infirm  and  diseased,  to  furnish  them  with  regular  medical  atten- 
tion, to  compel  them  to  a proper  regimen,  to  enable  even  the  in- 
valids to  contribute  to  their  own  support,  to  provide  an  asylum  for 
the  poor  and  otherwise  helpless,  and  to  give  instruction,  particu- 
larly in  the  arts  of  domestic  life,  to  many  of  the  ignorant  and  sloth- 
ful. 

The  whole  system  of  schools  which  had  been  suspended  by  the 
death  of  Mr.  Holton,  was  reorganized,  and  in  efficient  operation 
this  year,  under  the  superintendence  of  Rev.  G.  McGill,  an  expe- 
rienced colored  teacher.  Though  its  influence  was  limited  by  the 
want  of  proper  books  and  well  qualified  teachers. 

The  schools  were  all  taught  by  colored  people,  and  supported 
partly  from  the  colonial  treasury,  and  partly  by  subscriptions  from 
the  colonists. 

They  were  sufficiently  numerous  to  embrace  all  the  children, 
including  those  of  the  natives,  and  all  were  obliged  to  attend.  The 
number  of  children  in  the  six  schools  was  227,  of  whom  45  were 
natives.  Most  of  these  were  the  sons  of  the  principal  men  of  the 
country,  and  more  than  half  could,  at  the  close  of  the  year,  read 
the  New  Testament  intelligibly,  and  understand  the  English  lan- 
guage nearly  as  well  as  the  settlers  of  the  same  age.  Had  means 
been  supplied,  the  number  of  these  native  pupils  could  have  been 
greatly  increased. 

A school  was  opened  in  the  Yey  nation,  thirty-five  miles  inte- 
rior from  Cape  Mount,  and  sixty  or  seventy  from  Montserado,  by 
the  Baptist  Missionaries  of  the  colony.  It  commenced  with  35 
scholars,  and  was  patronized  by  the  Prince  and  head-men  of  the 
nation,  who  were  desirous  to  have  their  children  clothed  and  train- 
ed to  the  habits  of  civilized  life.  Rev.  Mr.  Cary’s  school,  for  na- 
tive children,  was  supported  in  part  by  the  Baptist  Missionary  So- 
ciety of  Richmond. 

*f  he  system  of  government  adopted  in  1824,  had  continued  with- 
out any  material  alteration,  and  received  the  cordial  support  oftho 
enlightened  and  influential  part  of  the  colonists.  Unused  to  free- 


30 


dom,  and  ignorant  of  the  principles  of  social  order,  it  was  to  be 
expected  that  the  uninformed  would  be  deficient  in  public  spirit 
and  subordination.  The  annual  elections  resulted  in  the  reap- 
pointment of  most  of  the  officers  of  the  preceding  year. 

Nearly  the  whole  expenses  of  the  Colonial  Government  and  of 
the  United  States’  Agency,  had  this  year  been  defrayed  by  the  pro- 
fits realized  in  the  trade  of  the  factories. 

Four  schooners  were  built  and  sent  out  under  the  flao-  of  Libe- 
ria. The  colony  was  sustained  in  its  growth  almost  wholly  by  its 
own  industry.  It  was,  however,  a subject  of  regret,  that  the  life  of 
this  industry  was  rather  in  its  trade  and  commerce  than  its  agricul- 
ture. Situated,  as  were  the  colonists,  on  the  central  point  of  an 
extensive  coast,  with  a vast  field  of  commercial  enterprise  opening 
before  them,  they  were  tempted  to  seek  the  immediate  gains  of 
trade,  rather  than  the  more  remote,  though  surer  and  more  impor- 
tant advantages  of  agriculture.  The  premiums  proposed  by  the 
Board  to  the  most  successful  farmers,  were  to  some  extent  benefi- 
cial. At  Caldwell,  an  agricultural  society  was  formed,  at  the  week- 
ly meetings  of  which,  the  members  reported  their  progress  on  their 
plantations,  and  discussed  practical  questions  on  husbandry. 

The  recaptured  Africans  had  proved  orderly  and  industrious. — 
Familiar  with  the  ordinary  modes  of  African  agriculture,  and  suf- 
fering nothing  from  the  climate,  they  were  busily  and  tastefully  im- 
proving their  settlements. 

A company  was  formed  in  the  colony  for  the  purpose  of  improv- 
ing the  navigation  of  Montserado  river;  one  thousand  dollars  of 
stock  subscribed,  and  pledges  given  to  raise,  if  necessary,  four  thou- 
sand more. 

The  military  force  was  newly  organized,  and  four  volunteer 
companies  formed  ; the  description  of  which,  as  given  at  the  time, 
was  quite  en  militaire. 

“The  oldest  of  these  companies  is  Capt.  Barbour’s  Light  Infantry, 
composed  of  select  young  men,  completely  armed  and  equipped,  high- 
ly disciplined,  (relatively,)  and  consisting  of  about  forty  men.  Uni- 
form, light-blue,  faced  with  white. 

The  next  is  Capt.  Davis’s  company.  Uniform  white,  with  blue 
bars,  well  armed  and  accoutered. 

The  third  is  a company  of  Light  Artillery,  composed  of  select 
young  men,  completely  uniformed  arid  equipped.  This  corps 
having  been  lately  organized,  consists  only  of  about  thirty  men, 
but  as  it  is  exceedingly  popular,  will  increase  rapidly.  Captain 
Devany  is  the  present  commander.  Uniform  deep  blue,  with  red 
facings. 

The  fourth  is  a newly  organized  Artillery  company,  commanded 
by  Capt.  Prout.” 

Three  enterprising  citizens  of  the  colony,  during  this  year,  ex- 
plored the  interior  to  a considerable  extent.  One  of  them  pene- 
trated to  the  distance  of  a hundred  and  forty  miles,  where  he  dis- 
covered a country  inhabited  by  a numerous  people,  far  advanced 


31 


in  civilization.  The  St.  Paul’s  river  was  explored  upwards  of  two 
hundred  miles. 

The  Chiefs  of  Cape  Mount  (with  whom  negotiations  had  been 
commenced  the  preceding  year)  had  stipulated  to  construct  a large 
and  commodious  Factory  tor  the  Colonial  Government ; to  guar- 
antee the  safety  of  all  persons  and  property  belonging  to  the  Fac 
tory  ; to  exact  no  tribute  from  those  who  might  resort  to  it ; to  eri 
courage  trade  between  it  and  the  interior ; and  forever  to  exclude 
foreigners  lrom  similar  privileges,  and  from  any  right  of  occu- 
pancy or  possession  in  their  country. 

The  right  bank  of  Bushrod  Island,  extending  the  whole  length 
of  Stockton  Creek,  which  unites  Montserado  and  St.  Paul’s,  had 
been  ceded  to  the  Society.  This  island  contains  twenty  thousand 
acres  of  fertile,  level  land. 

An  invaluable  tract  of  land,  of  indefinite  extent,  on  the  north  side 
of  the  river  St.  Johns,  contiguous  to  Factory  Island,  had  also  been 
added  to  the  possessions  of  the  Society. 

All  the  Chiefs  between  Cape  Mount  and  Trade  Town  had  bound 
themselves  to  exclude  all  others  except  the  people  of  Liberia,  from 
a settlement  in  their  country ; and  at  no  less  than  eight  stations 
on  this  line  of  coast,  had  the  Colonial  Government  obtained  the 
right  of  founding  settlements. 

The  following  is  a general  view  given  of  the  domestic  condi- 
tion of  the  colony  at  this  time.  About  half  of  the  entire  popula- 
tion were  settled  in  comfortable  dwellings  on  their  own  cultivated 
premises,  and  in  independent  circumstances.  Most  of  these  were 
engaged  in  the  coasting  and  country  trade  ; some  were  turning 
their  attention  to  agriculture  ; several  were  carrying  on  mechan- 
ical trades  and  employing  from  four  to  twelve  journeymen  and 
apprentices.  A second  class  in  their  new,  and  in  some  instances, 
unfinished  houses,  were  engaged  in  clearing  their  lands,  and 
making  those  improvements  which  were  requisite  to  secure  their 
title.  Some  of  these  having  large  families  to  support,  without 
any  accumulated  means,  like  the  pioneers  of  all  new  settlements, 
were  suffering  hardships,  embarrassments,  and  privations,  which 
nothing  but  the  cheering  prospect  of  ultimate  success  could  enable 
them  to  sustain. 

A third  consisted  of  those,  less  than  a year  in  Africa,  mostly  in 
the  public  receptacles  or  rented  houses,  imperfectly  inured  to  the 
climate,  partially  dependent  upon  the  society,  and  beginning  mo- 
derately to  labor  for  the  older  settlers,  or  on  their  own  premises. 
The  remaining  class  included  all  the  idle  and  improvident  who, 
although  contributing  to  the  labor  of  the  colony,  were  securing 
no  permanent  interests  to  themselves. 

In  the  month  of  December  the  United  States  ship  of  war  On- 
tario, Captain  Nicolson,  touched  at  the  Cape  on  her  return  from 
the  Mediterranean.  The  commander  granted  the  request  of  eight 
of  his  crew,  free  colored  mechanics,  to  remain  in  the  colony ; and 
left  a valuable  donation  of  seeds  which  he  had  taken  special  care 


32 


to  obtain  in  the  Archipelago,  Asia  Minor,  and  Tunis.  On  his 
arrival  in  America,  Captain  Nicolson  bore  testimony  to  the  general 
contentment  and  industry  of  the  coloni  ts,  the  rapid  progress 
made  by  them  in  public  and  private  improvements,  and  then  sa- 
lutary and  growing  influence  over  the  natrive  tribes. 

To  this  may  be  added  the  testimony  of  the  colonists  themselves, 
given  in  a communication  which  they  addressed  to  the  colored 
people  of  the  United  States  in  the  summer  of  this  year. 

They  declared  that  in  removing  to  Africa,  they  had  sought  for 
civil  and  religious  liberty,  and  that  their  expectations  and  hopes 
in  this  respect  had  been  realized.  The  great  mortality  which  had 
occurred  in  the  earliest  years  of  the  colony,  they  attributed  prin- 
cipally to  the  dangers,  irregularities,  privations,  discouragements, 
and  want  of  medical  experience,  which  are  almost  necessarily  at- 
tendant on  the  plantations  of  new  settlements  in  adistant,  unclear- 
ed and  barbarous  country.  After  a few  months  residence  in  Af- 
rica, they  enjoyed  health  as  uniformly,  and  in  as  perfect  a degree 
as  in  their  native  country.  They  believed  that  a more  fertile  soil 
than  that  of  Liberia,  and  a more  productive  country,  so  far  as  it  is 
cultivated,  did  not  exist  on  the  face  of  the  earth.  The  virtuous 
and  industrious  were  nearly  sure  to  attain  there,  in  a few  years,  to 
a style  of  comfortable  Jiving,  which  they  might  in  vain  hope  for, 
in  the  United  States.  “ Truly,”  said  they,  “ we  have  a goodly 
heritage ; and  if  there  is  any  thing  lacking  in  the  character  or 
condition  of  the  people  of  this  colony,  it  can  never  be  charged  to 
the  account  of  the  country  ; it  must  be  the  fruit  of  our  own  mis- 
management or  slothfulness,  or  vices.  But  from  these  evils  we 
confide  in  Him,  to  whom  we  are  indebted  for  all  our  blessings,  to 
preserve  us.  It  is  the  topic  of  our  weekly  and  daily  thanksgiving 
to  Almighty  God,  both  in  public  and  in  private,  and  he  knows 
with  what  sincerity,  that  we  were  ever  conducted  by  his  Provi- 
dence to  this  shore. 

u Men  may  theorize,  and  speculate  about  their  plans  in  America, 
but  there  can  be  no  speculation  here.  The  cheerful  abodes  of  ci- 
vilization and  happiness  which  are  scattered  over  this  verdant 
mountain — the  flourishing  settlements  which  are  spreading  around 
it — the  sound  of  the  Christian  instruction,  and  scenes  of  Christian 
worship,  which  are  heard  and  seen  in  this  land  of  brooding  pa- 
gan darkness — a thousand  contented  freemen  united  in  founding 
a new  Christian  empire,  happy  themselves,  and  the  instrument  of 
happiness  to  others — every  object,  every  individual,  is  an  argu- 
ment, is  demonstration,  of  the  wisdom  and  the  goodness  of  the 
plan  of  colonization.” 

1828. 

On  the  15th  of  January,  the  brig  Doris,  arrived  at  Liberia,  af- 
ter along  passage  from  Baltimore,  with  107  emigrants, principally 
from  Maryland,  62  of  them  liberated  slaves,  and  on  the  17th,  tho 


33 


schooner  Randolph  from  South  Carolina  with  26  Africans  manu- 
mitted by  a single  individual.  On  the  same  day  Mr.  Ashmun  re- 
turned from  a latiguing  visit  of  inspection  to  the  factories  south 
of  Monrovia  and  found  these  vessels  with  several  others  waiting 
his  arrival ; he  had  hardly  despatched  them  before  the  set- 
tlement was  menanced  by  a strongly  armed  piratical  vessel.  Im- 
mediately after  her  departure  he  received  a proposition  from  the 
interior  for  opening  a new  trade  path,  on  condition  of  forming  a 
settlement  and  factory  at  the  head  of  navigation  on  the  St.  Paul’s 
river.  This  required  him,  without  delay,  to  explore  that  situation 
and  visit,  for  negotiation,  all  the  Kings  on  both  sides  of  the  river. 
Returning  from  this  expedition  he  was  engaged  for  the  next  four 
days  in  a tedious  judicial  investigation.  The  duty  of  assigning 
to  the  newly  arrived  emigrants  their  lands  was  next  discharged, 
followed  immediately  by  a session  of  the  court.  The  Agent  had 
felt  his  strength  failing  under  this  pressure  of  business,  but  there 
seemed  no  alternative,  and  his  exertions  were  unremitted  until  on 
the  5th  of  February,  he  was  seized  with  a violent  fever,  which 
deprived  him  of  his  reason  until  the  21st.  Subsequently  he  was 
favored  with  daily  intervals  of  reason,  which  he  employed  in  giving 
instructions  to  those  who  managed  affairs  during  his  illness. 

On  the  19th  of  February,  the  brigNautilus  arrived  from  Hamp- 
ton Roads,  with  164  emigrants  mostly  from  the  lower  counties  of 
North  Carolina.  The  emigrants  by  this  vessel  and  those  by  the 
Randolph  suffered  but  slightly  from  the  climate,  but  those  by  the 
Doris  were  sorely  afflicted.  They  arrived  in  bad  health  in  conse- 
quence of  a protracted  voyage,  and  twenty-four  of  the  emigrants 
from  Maryland  died. 

Mr.  Ashmun  having  been  advised  by  his  physician  that  a return 
to  the  United  States  afforded  the  only  hope  of  his  recovery,  prepar- 
ed for  his  departure,  and  on  the  25th  of  March,  acccompanied  to 
the  beach  by  the  inhabitants  of  Monrovia  in  tears,  left  Africa  never 
to  return. 

He  proceeded  to  the  West  Indies  whence,  after  some  weeks,  he 
took  passage  for  New  Haven,  Con.,  arrived  on  the  10th  of  August, 
and  died  on  the  25th.  He  fell  a victim  to  his  labors  and  sufferings  in 
the  cause  of  African  Colonization.  The  establishment  which  he 
found  on  the  brink  of  extinction,  he  left  m prosperity  and  peace. 
The  people  whom  he  began  to  rule  when  they  were  few,  unorga- 
nized and  disunited,  he  trained  to  habits  of  discipline  and  taught  to 
enjoy  the  blessings  of  rational  liberty.  In  his  life  he  illustrated 
the  power  of  Christianity,  to  guide,  to  comfort  and  to  elevate,  and 
died  with  a calm,  thoughtful,  untrembling  confidence  which  none 
but  the  Christian  can  experience.* 

* Gurley’s  Life  of  Ashman  is  recommended  as  containing  much  valuable  in- 
formation relating  to  Colonization  , as  well  as  for  the  elegant  style  and  senti- 
ments of  the  author. 

This  work  has  afforded  much  assistance  in  preparing  the  early  part  of  this  his- 


34 


At  his  funeral  the  Rev’d.  L.  Bacon,  preaching  from  the  words 
w To  what  purpose  was  this  waste”  said : 

“Such  was  he  whose  life  has  been  spent,  and  prematurely  ex- 
hausted in  his  zeal  for  Africa.  Do  you  ask,  to  what  purpose  has 
he  died?  I would  that  we  could  stand  together  on  the  promontory 
of  Montserado,  and  see  what  has  been  accomplished  by  those  toils 
and  exposures,  which  have  cost  this  man  his  life.  Hard  by,  we 
might  see  the  island,  where,  a few  years  since,  there  was  a market 
for'the  slave  trade.  To  that  place,  crowds  of  captives  were  brought 
every  year,  and  there  they  were  sold  like  beasts  of  burthen.  From 
that  place  they  were  consigned  to  the  unspeakable  cruelties  of 
thronged  and  pestilential  slave  ships;  and  those  whom  death  re- 
leased not  in  their  passage  across  the  Atlantic,  went  into  perpetual 
slavery.  At  that  time  this  cape  was  literally  consecrated  to  the 
devil ; and  here  the  miserable  natives,  in  the  gloom  of  the  dark 
forest,  offered  worship  to  the  evil  spirit.  All  this  was  only  a lew 
years  ago.  And  what  see  you  now  ? The  forest  that  has  crowned 
the  lofty  cape  for  centuries,  has  been  cleared  away ; and  here  are 
the  dwellings  of  a civilized  and  intelligent  people.  Here  are 
twelve  hundred  orderly,  industrious  and  prosperous  freemen,  who 
were  once  slaves,  or  in  a state  of  degredation  hardly  preferable  to 
bondage.  Here  are  schools,  and  courts  of  justice,  and  lo ! the  spire 
which  marks  the  temple  dedicated  to  our  God  and  Saviour — 
strange  land  mark  to  the  mariner  that  traverses  the  sea  of  Africa. 
Here,  for  a hundred  miles  along  the  coast,  no  slave  trader  dares  to 
spread  his  canvass  ; for  the  flag  that  waves  over  that  fortress,  and 
the  guns  that  threaten  from  its  battlements,  tell  him  that  this  land 
is  sacred  to  humanity  and  freedom.  Is  all  this  nothing  '?  Is  it 
nothing  to  have  laid  on  a barbarous  continent,  the  foundation  of 
a free  and  Christian  empire  ? This  is  the  work  in  which  our 
friend  has  died. 

But  this  is  not  all.  I look  forward  a few  years,  and  I see  these 
results  swelling  to  an  importance  which  may  seem  incredible  to 
cold  and  narrow  minds.  I see  those  few  and  scattered  settlements, 
extending  along  the  coast,  and  spreading  through  the  inland.  I 
.see  thousands  of  the  oppressed  and  wretched,  fleeing  from  lands 
where  at  the  best  they  can  have  nothing  but  the  name  and  forms 
of  freedom,  to  this  new  republic,  and  finding  there  a refuge  from 
their  degradation.  I see  the  accursed  slave  trade,  which  for  so 
many  ages  past,  has  poured  desolation  along  twelve  hundred  miles 
of  the  African  coast,  utterly  suppressed,  and  remembered  only  as 
an  illustration  of  what  human  wickedness  can  be.  1 see  the  an- 
cient wilderness,  like  our  own  wide  forests  of  the  west,  vanishing 
before  the  march  of  civilized  and  Christian  man.  I see  towns  and 
cities  rising  in  peace  and  beauty,  as  they  rise  along  our  At’ an  tic 
shore,  and  on  the  borders  of  our  rivers.  I see  fair  villages,  and 
quiet  cottages,  and  rich  plantations,  spreading  out,  where  now  in 
the  unbroken  wilderness,  the  lion  couches  for  his  prey.  I see  the 
pagan  tribes,  catching  the  light  of  civilization,  and  learning  from 


35 


the  lips  of  Christian  teachers,  to  exchange  the  bondage  of  their 
superstitions,  for  the  blessed  freedom  of  the  gospel.  I see  churches, 
schools  and  all  the  institutions  of  religion  and  science,  adorning 
Africa  as  they  adorn  the  country  of  the  pilgrims.  I hear  f rom  the 
mountains,  and  the  vallies,  and  along  the  yet  undiscovered 
streams  of  that  vast  continent,  the  voice  of  Christian  worship,  and 
the  songs  of  Christian  praise.  In  all  those  scenes  of  beauty  or  of 
gladness,  I see,  and  in  all  those  accents  of  thanksgiving,  I hear,  to 
what  purpose  this  servant  of  God  poured  out  his  noble  soul  in  his 
labors  of  love. 

Who  asks  us  to  what  purpose  is  this  waste  ? To  what  purpose ! 
Thousands  and  thousands  of  the  exiled  sons  of  Africa,  going  back 
from  lands  of  slavery,  to  enjoy  true  freedom  in  the  rich  and  lovely 
land  which  God  has  given  them,  shall  one  day  answer  in  their 
shou's  of  joy.  To  what  purpose ! Africa,  delivered  from  her 
miseries,  her  chains  thrown  off.  her  spirit  emancipated  from  the 
power  of  darkness,  rising  up  in  strength  and  beauty,  like  a new 
bom  angel  from  the  night  of  Chaos,  and  stretching  out  her  hands 
to  God  in  praise,  shall  one  day  answer,  to  what  purpose  this  martyr 
of  benevolence  has  lived  and  died. 

What  parent  would  exchange  the  memory  of  such  a departed 
son,  for  the  embrace  of  any  living  one  ? Who  would  not  that  his 
brother, or  his  friend  had  lived  such  a life, and  died  so  nobly  for  so  no- 
ble ends,  than  that  he  were  still  living,  and  living  for  no  such  noble 
and  exal  ted  purpose  ? He  is  not  dead  to  usefulness.  His  works  still 
live.  The  light  which  he  has  kindled  shall  cheer  nations  yet  un- 
born. His  influence  shall  never  die.  Years  and  ages  hence,  when 
the  African  mother  shall  be  able  to  sit  with  her  children,  under  the 
shade  of  their  native  palm,  without  trembling  in  fear  of  the  man- 
stealer  and  murderer,  she  will  speak  his  name  with  words  of  thank- 
ful ness  to  God.” 

On  the  departure  of  Mr.  Ashmnn  from  Liberia,  the  government 
devolved  on  the  Rev.  Lot  Carey,  vice  agent  of  the  colony.  The 
measures  adopted  by  his  predecessor  were  successfully  prosecuted 
by  Mr.  Carey,  and  in  a manner  which  proved  not  only  satisfactory 
to  the  Board,  but  to  the  colonists  themselves. 

The  tract  of  country  recently  stipulated  for  on  the  St.  Pauls, 
was  to  be  secured  only  by  immediate  occupancy  and  cultivation. 
A company  of  the  oldest  and  most  enterprising  colonists  com- 
menced an  agricultural  settlement  here  in  February,  called 
Millsburgh.  They  progressed  with  their  improvements  so  rapid- 
ly, that  by  July,  they  had  built  a range  of  houses  sufficient  to  ac- 
commodate thirty  or  forty  people,  beside  a large  log  factory,  and 
each  of  the  settlers  had  a small  farm  under  cultivation. 

The  tract  of  country,  including  this  settlement,  abounds  in 
streams  of  fresh  water,  the  land  is  easily  cleared  and  equal  in  fer- 
tility to  the  rich  bottom  lands  of  the  United  States. 

The  condition  and  prospects  of  the  Millsburg  settlement  at  this 


36 


time,  were  thus  represented  in  a joint  letter  to  the  Board,  from 
several  individuals  who  had  taken  the  lead  in  its  establishment. 

“ We  have  to  inform  you,  that  we  have  in  good  cultivation 
twenty-four  acres  of  rice,  cassada,  cotton,  corn  and  other  vegetables, 
and  our  crops  promise  better  than  any  which  have  been  raised 
since  we  have  been  in  Africa.  We  have  seen  enough  to  convince 
us  that  we  are  doing  well  for  the  time.  We  must,  however,  in- 
form you  that  ten  acres  of  land  is  not  sufficient  for  a farm.  Here 
are  large  tracts  of  land  which  no  persons  inhabit.  We  have 
travelled  about  fifteen  miles  northeast,  and  found  no  person  what- 
ever ; nothing  but  old  country  farms,  and  good  brooks  of  water, 
and  good  land  for  cultivation.  As  we  have  made  more  discoveries 
for  the  good  of  the  colony  than  any  other  set  of  men,  we  take  the 
liberty  to  request  that  you  would  give  us  more  land,  as  we  intend 
to  pursue  cultivation; — for  without  cultivation  we  cannot  prosper. 
Although  times  are  hard  with  us  just  now,  yet  we  must  do  the 
best  we  can  ; as  we  came  out  to  plant  a nation  in  the  deserts  of 
Africa,  and  as  there  are  many  waiting  in  America  for  us  to  clear 
the  forest,  we  wish  our  rights  for  our  children  secured,  which  we 
hope  you  will  grant  us.  As  there  are  mill  seats  here,  we  wish  you 
would  send  to  us  saw-mill  irons  and  running  gear  forthe  same; 
also  ox  chains,  reaping  hooks,  grass  scythes,  and  stone  hammers 
from  9 to  10  lbs.  weight,  with  seed  and  grains  of  all  kinds. 
Our  rice  is  now  shooting,  and  in  six  weeks  we  hope  to  be  eating 
it.” 

Another  colonist  wrote,  “ There  are  many  fine  mill  seats  in  our 
new  territory,  and  also  on  the  other  side  of  the  river.  It  would 
be  almost  incredible  if  I were  to  state  the  many  advantages  which 
are  here  visible  to  men  of  research.  Nothing  appears  to  be  want- 
ing but  means  and  men  of  industry,  and  in  a short  time  the  whole 
of  the  present  colony  might  be  supported  by  its  own  inhabitants 
along  the  banks  of  the  noble  Dey,  (St.  Paul’s)  and  in  the  adjacent 
country.” 

Another  from  Monrovia  wrote,  “ I wish  you  and  the  Honorable 
Board  of  Managers  would  make  some  inquiries  whether  it  would 
be  prudent  and  safe  for  me  to  trust  a vessel  across  the  Atlantic  with 
our  stripes  and  cross  ; and  whether  we  would  be  subject  to  foreign 

duties  on  tonnage  ? as  Mr. and  myself  are  about  contracting 

for  a schooner ; and  we  wish  to  be  very  particular,  and  not  to  move 
until  we  shall  hear  from  the  Board,  as  the  subject  is  important,  par- 
ticularly in  regard  to  the  duties.  The  commercial  interest  of  the 
colony  is  increasing  ” 

On  the  25th  of  June,  the  colonists  were  alarmed  by  the  appear- 
ance of  three  suspicious  vessels,  which  induced  them  to  turn  out 
all  their  forces,  man  Fort  Norris  Battery,  and  put  themselves  on 
the  alert  for  the  night.  The  next  morning,  the  Captain  of  one  of 
the  vessels  came  ashore,  who  wished  a supply  of  wood  and  water. 
Being  convinced  that  they  were  all  slavers,  Mr.  Cary  refused  to  sup- 


37 


ply  them,  and  allowed  them  but  one  hour  to  leave  the  road-stead. 
They  were  punctual  to  the  time. 

In  September  Mr.  Cary  located  those  recaptured  Africans,  whose 
terms  of  service  to  the  colonists  had  expired,  between  Stockton 
creek  and  Montserado  river.  Before  the  close  of  the  year,  they 
had  built  themseives  comfortable  houses,  enclosed  their  lots,  and 
had  their  cassada,  plantains  and  potatoes  growing  most  luxuriant- 

iy- 

In  the  fall  of  this  year,  the  Colony’s  factory  at  Digby,  a few 
miles  north  of  Monrovia,  was  robbed  by  the  natives,  probably  at 
the  instigation  of  a slave-dealer,  as  one  was  allowed  immediately 
to  take  possession  of  it.  Demands  for  satisfaction  having  been  re- 
fused, Mr.  Cary  felt  himself  bound  to  assert  the  rights  and  defend 
the  property  of  the  col  jny,  and  immediately  commenced  prepara- 
tions for  seeking  redress  by  military  force.  On  the  evening  of 
the  8th  of  November,  while  he  and  several  others  were  engaged  in 
making  cartriages,  in  tiieoid  agency  house,  a candle  appears  to  have 
been  accidentally  upset  among  the  powder,  which  caused  an  ex- 
plosion that  resulted  in  the  death  of  eight  persons,  including  the 
lamented  Dr.  Cary. 

This  remarkable  man  was  born  a slave,  near  Richmond,  Ya.,  and 
was  early  hired  out  as  a common  laborer  in  that  city.  Here, under 
the  power  of  religion,  he  reformed  his  previous  profane  and  vicious 
habits,  and  united  with  the  Baptist  church  in  1807.  A strong  de- 
sire to  read  was  excited  in  his  mind,  on  hearing  a sermon  soon  af- 
ter his  conversion,  which  related  to  our  Lord’s  interview  with 
Nicodemus,  and  he  commenced  learning  his  letters  by  trying  to 
read  the  chapter  in  which  this  interview  is  recorded.  Such  was 
his  diligence  and  perseverance,  that,  although  he  never  attended 
school,  he  learned  both  to  read  and  write.  By  his  ability  and 
fidelity  in  business,  he  obtained  a sum  sufficient  to  ransom  himself 
and  family,  and  became  a preacher  of  the  gospel,  in  which  capacity 
he  was  the  means  of  doing  great  good  to  the  colored  people  on 
the  plantations  around  Richmond.  He  became  deeply  interested 
in  African  missions,  and  was  among  the  earliest  emigrants  to  Li- 
beria. When  the  appalling  circumstances  of  the  first  settlers  led 
to  a proposition  from  the  government  agent  that  they  should  re- 
move to  Sierra  Leone,  the  resolution  of  Mr.  Cary  to  remain  was  not 
to  be  shaken,  and  his  decision  induced  others  to  follow’  his  exam- 
ple. To  him  was  the  colony  indebted,  more  than  to  any  other  man, 
except  Ashmun,  for  its  preservation  during  the  memorable  defence 
of  1822. 

In  order  to  relieve,  if  possible,  the  sufferings  of  the  people,  Mr. 
Cary  turned  his  attention  to  the  diseases  of  the  climate,  made  him- 
self a good  practical  physician,  and  devoted  his  time  almost  ex- 
clusively to  the  relief  of  the  destitute,  the  sick,  and  the  afflicted. — 
His  services,  as  physician  of  the  colony,  were  invaluable,  and  for  a 
long  time,  were  rendered,  without  hope  of  reward,  while  he  made 
liberal  sacrifices  of  his  property  to  the  poor  and  distressed.  But 


38 


amid  his  multiplied  cares  and  efforts,  he  never  neglected  to  pro- 
mote the  objects  of  the  African  Missionary  Society.  He  sought 
access  to  the  native  tribes,  instructed  them  in  the  doctrines  and 
duties  of  the  Christian  religion,  and  established  a school  tor  the  edu- 
cation of  their  children.  To  found  a Christian  colony  which  might 
prove  a blessed  asylum  to  his  degraded  brethren  in  America,  and 
enlighten  and  regenerate  Africa,  was  with  him  an  object  with  which 
no  temporal  good  could  be  compared.  In  one  of  his  letters  he  says, 
“ There  never  has  been  an  hour  or  a minute,  no,  not  even  when 
the  balls  were  flying  around  my  head,  when  I could  wish  myself 
again  in  America.” 

The  election  for  a successor  to  Mr.  Cary  in  the  Vice  Agency,  was 
warmly  contested  by  the  partizans  of  the  two  rival  candidates, 
Mr.  Waring  and  Mr.  Devany.  But  on  the  election  of  the  lormer, 
all  submitted  willingly  to  the  constituted  authorities. 

On  the  22d  of  December,  Richard  Randall  arrived  as  the  Socie- 
ty’s agent  for  the  colony,  accompanied  by  Dr.  Mecklin,  as  the  colo- 
nial surgeon.  They  found  the  colony  prosperous,  and  were  struck 
with  the  inviting  appearance  of  the  settlements  and  the  country. 
As  no  farther  hostility  had  been  manifested  on  the  part  of  the  na- 
tives, and  the  slave  factory,  which  was  the  original  cause  ot  diffi- 
culty, had  been  broken  up,  the  colonists  were  inclined  to  pursue 
an  amicable  course  towards  their  offending  neighbors. 

The  system  of  education,  commenced  the  preceding  year,  had 
been  pursued  through  this.  The  teachers  were  attentive  and  faith- 
ful— and  every  child  in  the  colony  enjoyed  the  benefit  of  their  in- 
structions ; but  these  instructions,  owing  to  the  limited  ability  of 
the  teachers,  were  confined  to  the  simplest  branches  of  knowledge, 
and  were  insufficient  to  form  that  intellectual  character,  which  the 
condition  of  the  colony  required. 

The  attention  to  morals  and  religion,  which  had  for  years  char- 
acterized the  settlers,  was  still  maintained,  and  was  exerting  a salu- 
tary influence  over  the  natives.  Sabbath  schools  had  been  estab- 
lished throughout  the  colonies — two  of  which,  were  for  native 
children. 

An  enlightened  ministry  was,  however,  greatly  needed,  and  the 
well  timed  purpose  of  several  missionary  associations  to  make  es- 
tablishments in  Liberia,  added  much  to  the  encouraging  prospects 
of  the  colony,  though  they  failed  in  a great  measure  of  being  rea- 
lized. Of  five  missionaries  destined  to  this  field  from  the  Evan- 
gelical missionary  society  of  Switzerland,  one  arrived  in  Decem- 
ber of  1827,  and  the  others  during  the  present  year.  They  all 
remained  at  Monrovia  a few  months  for  acclimation,  and  were 
about  commencing  their  mission  at  Grand  Bassa,  when  they  were 
interrupted  by  sickness,  which  caused  the  death  of  one,  and  ob- 
liged another  to  quit  the  colony. 

1829. 

The  early  part  of  this  year  was  marked  by  no  extraordi  nar 


39 


events  in  the  colony.  Health  prevailed,  the  inhabitants  were  pro- 
secuting their  various  improvements,  the  agent  was  zealously  en- 
gaged in  the  duties  of  his  office,  preparing  lor  the  reception  of  a 
large  party  of  emigrants  which  was  soon  expected,  exploring  the 
country,  and  examining  into  its  various  relations  and  resources. 
He  made  an  excursion  up  the  St.  Paul’s,  ten  or  fifteen  miles  iar- 
ther  than  it  had  yet  been  explored  by  any  white  man.  As  far  as 
he  proceeded  he  found  this  river  unobstructed,  its  waters  clear  and 
limpid,  its  banks  and  the  surrounding  country  rich  and  beau- 
tiful. 

As  the  under  brush  is  here,  the  most  dense  that  can  be  imagin- 
ed, the  exploring  party  could  only  proceed  through  the  paths 
made  by  the  wild  cattle,  or  have  one  cleared  by  sending  forward 
two  or  three  of  the  natives,  who, with  their  short  cutlasses,  rapidly 
removed  the  under  brush,  and  thus  formed  a perfect  a] cove  entirely 
protected  from  the  action  of  the  sun,  which  was  only  now  and 
then  visible  through  an  opening  in  the  trees. 

Though  much  had  been  done  by  Mr.  Ashmun  to  banish  the 
slave  trade  from  the  territory  under  colonial  jurisdiction,  it  was 
this  year  carried  on  very  actively  at  the  Gallenas,  and  to  the 
leeward  of  Monrovia.  In  consequence  of  which  some  of  the  na- 
tive tribes  in  the  vicinity,  were  involved  in  war  with  each  other ; 
and  at  one  time  approached  so  near  the  colony  in  pursuit  of  their 
victims,  that  the  inhabitants  were  alarmed  and  prepared  for  de- 
fence. They  were  however  soon  relieved  by  the  departure  of  the 
hostile  party,  with  their  complement  of  slaves  to  the  interior.  It 
is  impossible  to  imagine,  says  the  agent,  the  misery  that  such  a 
war  occasions  among  the  vanquished.  It  has  not  been  unusual  for 
the  population  of  whole  towns  to  die  of  starvation ; their  crops 
of  rice  and  cassada  having  been  destroyed  by  the  enemy. 

On  the  17th  of  March,  the  brig  Harriet  from  Norfolk  arrived 
at  Monrovia,  and  landed  155  passengers  in  good  health  and  spirits. 
This  company  of  emigrants  were  from  Virginia,  Maryland  and 
North  Carolina.  Upwards  of  forty  were  slaves,  liberated  on  con- 
dition of  going  to  Liberia.  Some  had  long  been  free,  and  acqui- 
red considerable  property,  and  nearly  all  had  been  recommended 
as  industrious  and  exemplary.  Comfortable  shelters  had  been 
prepared  for  them,  against  the  rains  which  soon  commenced.  In 
about  ten  days  after  their  landing,  they  began  to  have  the  fever 
of  the  country.  The  indisposition  which  they  first  experienced 
was  slight,  from  which,  having  partially  recovered,  they  regarded 
the  danger  as  past ; and  by  imprudent  exposures  to  the  weather, 
and  a free  indulgence  of  the  tropical  fruits,  brought  on  a far  more 
fatal  disease. 

At  the  same  time,  both  the  colonial  agent  and  physician  were  so 
reduced  by  fever,  as  to  be  unable,  for  the  most  part,  to  give  person- 
al attendance  to  their  patients,  26  of  whom  died  in  the  course  of 
the  summer.  It  is  to  be  lamented  that  instructions  from  the  board 
to  the  colonial  agent,  on  the  importance  of  having  these  emigrants, 


40 


immediately  on  their  landing,  removed  to  Millsburg,  were  by  some 
oversight  not  sent  by  the  Harriet. 

Dr.  Randall  recovered  from  his  first  slight  attack  of  fever,  without 
having  been  long  interrupted  in  his  devoted  attention  to  the  wonts 
of  the  colony.  Fatigue  and  exposure  brought  on  a relapse,  from 
which  he  again  recovered — by  similar  imprudence,  he  was  again 
taken  down.  His  fourth  and  last  attack  proved  fatal.  He  died  on 
the  20th  of  April,  the  victim  of  an  enthusiasm,  which  it  is  impos- 
sible not  both  to  admire  and  regret.  His  loss  was  deeply  leit  in 
the  colony,  and  by  the  friends  of  colonization  in  the  United  States, 
as  it  wTas  hoped  that  upon  him  had  fallen  the  mantle  of  Ashmun. 
On  receiving  the  tidings  of  Dr.  Randall’s  death,  the  board  ap- 
pointed Dr.  Mecklin  as  his  successor. 

Both  Sabbath  and  day  schools  continued  throughout  the  colony ; 
but  the  want  of  qualified  teachers  was  still  felt.  Joseph  Shipherd 
an  experienced  colored  teacher  from  Richmond,  Virginia,  came 
out  in  the  Harriet,  and  Mr.  J.  B.Russwurm,  a young  man  of  color, 
who  received  his  education  at  Bowdoin  College,  Maine,  and  came 
out  to  the  colony  for  the  express  purpose  of  superintending  and  im- 
proving the  system  of  education,  arrived  on  the  12th  of  No- 
vember. 

The  celebrated  Moorish  prince,  Abduhl  Rahhahman,  went  out 
in  the  ship  Harriet,  and  while  waiting  at  the  colony  to  receive  in- 
telligence from  his  friends  and  brother  who  was  then  the  reigning 
King  of  Teembo,  died  of  a sudden  illness  on  the  6th  ot  July. 
It  was  his  intention,  had  he  lived  to  visit  his  native  country,  to  ob- 
tain means  to  liberate  his  children  who  were  slaves  in  the  United 
States,  and  with  them  to  return  and  settle  in  the  colony,  where  it 
was  hoped  his  influence  would  be  the  means  of  opening  a direct 
communication  for  trade  with  Teembo,  and  thus  divert  at  least  a 
portion  of  the  trade  of  that  place,  from  Sierra  Leone  to  Liberia. 

Two  of  the  citizens  made  a trading  excursion  this  year  to  Bo 
Poro,  the  capital  of  King  Boatswain’s  dominions,  150  miles  inte- 
rior. He  professed  himself  a warm  friend  of  the  colony,  (towards 
which  he  had  always  been  well  disposed)  and  made  a distinct  pro- 
posal through  these  colonists  for  the  establishment  of  a factory  at 
his  town,  offering  to  send  down  people  to  assist  in  transporting 
goods  from  the  colony,  should  the  agent  determine  to  build  a fac- 
tory. 

The  commerce  of  the  country  was  still  active,  and  the  crops  of 
the  farmers  greater  than  in  any  preceding  year.  The  emigrants 
by  the  Harriet  had  their  lands  assigned  them,  and  commenced 
clearing  and  building. 


1830. 

Five  additional  Swiss  missionaries  came  out  this  year.  They 
lelt  Europe  in  1829,  accompanied  by  one  of  the  five  who  had 
previously  visited  Liberia,  but  was  obliged  to  return  with  his  in- 


41 


valid  brother  missionary  to  Switzerland.  They  came  by  the  way 
of  the  United  States,  where  they  spent  several  months  in  visiting 
the  churches. 

On  the  27th  of  February,  58  emigrants  arrived  in  the  brig  Li- 
beria, from  Norfolk,  and  with  them  Dr.  Anderson  the  colonial  phy- 
sician and  as  istant  agent,  also,  two  of  the  Swiss  missionaries  (the 
others  having  come  out  a month  previous),  all  landed  in  good  health 
and  were  highly  delighted  with  the  country. 

Among  these  emigrants  was  the  Rev.  George  Erskine,  a Pres- 
byterian minister,  with  his  wife,  five  children,  and  his  mother 
about  80  years  of  age,  who  was  born  in  Africa.  Ail  this  family 
were  born  slaves,  and  their  freedom  was  bought  by  Mr.  Erskine. 

He  was  an  intelligent  man  and  an  interesting  preacher.  Du- 
ring the  passage  he  preached  every  Sabbath.  He  said  one  day  to 
the  Captain,  “ I am  going  to  a new  country  to  settle  myself  and 
family  as  agriculturalists,  to  a country  where  the  complexion  will 
be  no  barrier  to  our  filling  the  most  exalted  stations.” 

Another  interesting  passenger  was  Mr.  Cook  ; he  was  about 
seventy  years  of  age,  and  had  a family  of  thirty  persons,  all  of 
( whom  evidenced  the  beneficial  effects  of  the  good  old  man’s  coun- 
sel. They  were  Methodists,  from  Lynchburg,  Ya. 

On  the  4th  of  March,  91  recaptured  Africans  arrived.  They 
sailed  from  the  United  States  in  August,  1829.  But  owing  to  the 
ignorance  and  obstinacy  of  the  Captain,  (who  disregarding  the  ex- 
perience of  navigators,  determined  on  pursuing  a direct  course  to 
Liberia,  which  deprived  him  of  the  benefit  of  the  trade  winds,) 
after  being  out  89  days,  they  were  obliged  to  put  into  Barbadoes  ; 
and  the  vessel  being  condemned  as  unseaworthy,  another  was  here 
chartered  in  which  to  prosecute  their  voyage.  The  whole  of  this 
, company  were  entirely  exempt  from  the  fever  of  the  country, 
though  they  had  been  some  time  in  the  United  States.  They  were 
therefore  able  immediately  to  take  possession  of  the  lands  assigned 
them,  and  commence  building  their  huts,  which  they  thatched  in 
a different  manner  from  those  of  the  natives  adjacent,  and  quite 
superior  to  them.  The  entire  settlement  of  recaptured  Africans, 
containing  about  400  inhabitants,  was  at  this  time  one  of  the  neat- 
est and  most  flourishing  in  the  colony.  It  seemed  almost  incredible 
that  these  could  be  the  same  individuals,  who,  when  in  bondage 
evinced  so  little  intellect  and  forethought.  They  furnished  a large 
* supply  of  vegetables,  mellons,  fowls,  &c.,  for  the  market  of  Mon- 
rovia. 

Soon  after  the  arrival  of  the  Liberia,  Dr.  Mecklin  was  compelled, 
by  the  state  of  his  health,  to  leave  the  colony  ; and  the  adminis- 
tration of  government  devolved  on  Dr.  Anderson,  who  was 
then  in  good  health,  and  continued  to  discharge  the  duties  of  his 
agency  until  April,  when  he  died,  after  an  illness  of  ten  days. — 
The  death,  also,  of  three  of  the  Swiss  missionaries,  which  occurred 
in  quick  succession,  cast  a gloom  over  the  settlement.  The  color- 
ed passengers  by  the  Liberia,  had  the  fever  slightly  at  first,  and  it 


42 


was  hoped  would  pass  through  their  seasoning  with  safety.  But 
having  no  physician  to  attend  them,  and,  in  general,  disregarding 
the  advice  of  the  older  settlers  not  to  expose  themselves  to  the  heat, 
and  rain,  and  evening  dews,  several,  in  the  course  of  the  summer, 
died  ; among  them  was  the  llev.  Mr.  Erskine. 

Early  in  June,  70  emigrants  arrived  in  the  Montgomery.  Thir- 
ty of  these  were  liberated  by  one  gentleman  in  Georgia  ; and  as  the 
climate  has  little  effect  on  people  from  that  section  of  the  coun- 
try, the  deaths  of  two  small  children  were  the  only  ones  that  oc- 
curred among  this  hardy  company  during  their  acclimation. — 
Among  the  other  emigrants  by  the  Montgomery,  who  were  chiefly 
from  Virginia,  the  sickness  was  more  severe,  and,  in  a greater 
number  of  instances,  proved  fatal. 

More  of  an  agricultural  spirit,  seemed,  at  this  time,  to  prevail  in 
the  colony.  The  emigrants  who  came  out  the  preceding  year  by 
the  Harriet,  were  chiefly  men  who  knew  the  value  of  industry,  and 
their  application  to  business  was  manifest  in  the  flourishing  con- 
dition of  their  farms.  Caldwell,  the  place  of  their  residence,  is  a 
beautiful  town,  situated  at  the  junction  of  the  St.  Paul’s  and  Stock- 
ton  Creek,  consisting  of  one  street  about  a mile  and  a half  long,  kept 
very  clean,  and  planted  on  each  side  withrows  of  plantain  and  ba- 
nanas. Between  this  and  the  water,  there  is  an  open  space,  con- 
tributing to  the  beauty  and  health  of  the  place.  Those  who  ap- 
plied themselves  diligently  and  perseveringly  to  farming  from  the 
first,  were  generally  in  a prosperous  condition.  But  the  mania  for 
trading  was  too  apt  to  seize  new  comers,  many  of  whom  engaging 
in  it,  not  only  without  adequate  means,  but  wholly  destitute  of 
experience,  would  be  cheated  by  the  natives,  loose  their  property, 
and  become  dissatisfied  with  the  place.  Those  who  expected  to 
live  comfortably,  and  get  rich  without  labor,  constituted  nearly  the 
whole  class  ofmurmurers. 

The  schools  of  the  colony  were  in  a deplorable  condition  for 
the  want  of  funds  and  competent  teachers.  Mr.  Shiphardsoon  be- 
came so  engrossed  by  his  duties,  as  colonial  surveyor,  that  he 
gave  up  his  school  altogether,  which  left  only  two  pay  schools  in 
operation,  and  these  embracing  but  a small  number  of  pupils.  Mr. 
Kisling,  one  of  the  Swiss  missionaries,  had  collected  a school  for 
orphans  and  natives,  which  the  state  of  his  health  permitted  him 
to  attend  to  but  very  irregularly.  One  of  the  emigrants  by  the  Li- 
beria opened  a school  at  Caldwall.  There  was  none  at  Millsburg, 
and  none  in  the  settlements  of  recaptured  Africans  at  New  Geor- 
gia. The  citizens  in  general,  felt  no  due  sense  of  the  importance 
of  preparing  their  children,  by  education,  for  usefulness,  influence 
and  self-government.  Their  sudden  elevation  of  circumstances 
and  privileges,  and  their  rapid  acquisition  of  property,  had,  to  some 
extent,  produced  a spirit  of  emulation,  display  and  extravagance, 
unfavorable  to  the  moral  and  religious  interests  of  the  colony. — 
They  had  yet  to  learn,  from  experience,  that  economy  and  sober 


43 


expectations  best  promote,  not  only  public  welfare,  but  private  hap- 
piness. , 

Friendly  relations  continued  to  exist  between  the  colonists  and 
the  natives.  Early  this  year,  one  tribe  put  themselves  under  the 
protection,  and  adopted  the  laws  of  the  colony.  The  King,  Long 
Peter,  cheerfully  giving  up  his  title,  and  receiving  the  appointment 
of  head  man  from  the  agent.  His  people  were  full  of  joy,  when 
they  learned  that  the  agent  had  determined  to  adopt  them  as  sub- 
jects of  the  colony.  They  were  aware  of  the  advantages  of  such 
an  arrangement,  which  at  once  freed  them  from  all  the  oppressive 
customs  and  laws  of  the  surrounding  native  tribes,  and  secured 
them  from  being  sold  into  slavery,  as  they  were  before  liable  to 
be  at  any  moment,  on  account  of  some  frivolous  dispute  or  palaver, 
got  up  for  the  purpose  by  the  head  men,  whenever  they  wanted  a 
supply  of  money. 

Several  of  the  petty  kings  made  application  to  put  themselves 
and  their  people  under  the  government  of  the  colony,  that  they 
might  not  be  molested  by  king  Boatswain,  who  was  at  this  time 
largely  engaged  in  the  slave  trade ; but  the  colonial  agent  hesitated 
to  engage  his  protection  to  the  more  distant  tribes.  He,  however, 
received  Far  Gay  and  his  people,  who  were  in  the  vicinity  of  the 
colony. 

On  the  3d  of  December  the  Caroline  arrived,  bringing  107  co- 
lored persons,  Dr.  Mecklin,  Dr.  Humphries,  assistant  agent  and 
physician,  and  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Skinner,  missionaries,  sent  out  by  the 
American  Board  of  Foreign  Missions.  Among  the  45 liberated 
slaves,  were  the  children  and  grand  children  of  Abduhl  Rahhah- 
man.  Several  children  of  this  company  died  of  the  meazles  on 
the  passage,  and  several  adults,  of  fever,  after  their  arrival,  amount- 
ing in  all  to  20,  including  Mrs.  Skinner  and  child.  Dr.  Mecklin 
resumed  the  duties  of  colonial  agent,  which,  during  his  absence, 
had  been  ably  performed  by  the  vice  agent,  A.  D.  Williams. 

Twenty-five  substantial  stone  and  frame  buildings  had  been 
erected  in  Monrovia;  the  spirit  of  enterprise  was  increasing  among 
the  people,  who  seemed  determined  to  develope  the  resources  of 
the  country. 

The  first  newspaper  in  Liberia,  was  commenced  this  year  by 
Mr.  Busswurm,  and  called  the  Liberia  Herald. 

1831. 

The  brig  Valador,  with  Dr.  Todsen  and  83  emigrants,  arrived 
at  Monrovia  in  January.  Most  of  these  were  from  the  lower  parts 
of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina.  They  arrived  in  good  health,  and 
were  immediately  transferred  to  Caldwell,  and  placed  under  the 
care  of  Dr.  Todsen,  who  providentially  continued  well  until  near- 
ly all  his  patients  were  recovering  from  the  fever. 

It  was  no  doubt  in  part  owing  to  his  skill  and  unmerited  atten- 
tion, that,  of  this  whole  company,  only  three  children,  and  not  a 


44 


single  adult  died,  during  their  acclimation,  while  the  mortality 
that  attended  those  by  the  Caroline,  was  partly  attributed  to  their 
want  of  a physician,  both  Dr.  Mecklin  and  Dr.  Humphries  being 
sick  at  the  time  when  their  services  were  most  needed.  The 
latter  died  in  February,  of  a consumption,  with  which  he  had 
long  been  afflicted  in  the  United  States.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Skinner 
took  passage  for  the  United  States,  in  hopes  of  thus  recovering  his 
health,  but  died  on  the  voyage.  The  death  of  this  devoted  "mis- 
sionary and  his  wife,  was  a great  loss. 

The  colonial  agent,  in  obedience  to  the  instructions  of  the  Board, 
made  a sale  of  some  public  lots  in  Monrovia  the  beginning  of  the 
year,  by  which  a considerable  fund  was  raised  for  the  purposes  of 
education.  A law  was  passed  about  the  same  time,  by  the  agent 
and  council,  taxing  all  the  real  estate  in  the  colony,  at  the  rate  of 
five  cents  on  a hundred  dollars,  which  tax  was  to  be  exclusively 
devoted  to  the  support  of  public  schools.  The  duties  on  spirituous 
liquors  were  also  to  be  thus  appropriated.  School  houses  were 
erected  at  Monrovia,  Caldwell  and  Millsburg,  competent  teachers 
appointed  under  the  supervision  of  trustees,  and  a new  zeal  in  the 
cause  of  education  was  awakened  throughout  the  colony.  The 
system  adopted,  was  designed  to  afford  the  means  of  instruction  to 
every  child. 

A most  encouraging  letter  addressed  to  the  colonists  from  the 
Female  Colonization  Society  of  Richmond  and  Manchester,  on  the 
importance  of  education,  was  published  in  the  February  number 
of  the  Liberia  Herald.  The  editorial  article  in  this  paper,  which 
closed  its  first  year,  contained  the  following  paragraph,  “The 
changes  which  have  taken  place  in  the  colony  during  the  publica- 
tion of  the  Herald,  are  worthy  of  notice.  Every  thing  has  im- 
proved— our  agriculture,  our  commerce  have  each  shared  in  the 
blessing.  Monrovia  has  almost  assumed  a new  garb,  and  should 
things  continue  to  prosper  as  they  have,  our  town  will  certainly 
present  the  most  desirable  residence,  to  a stranger,  of  any  on  the 
coast  of  Africa.  In  Monrovia  alone,  the  number  of  comfortable 
stone  and  wooden  dwellings  erected  during  the  year  has  been  up- 
wards of  fifty-five — and  if  we  take  into  consideration,  that  Cald- 
well, Millsburg,  and  the  recaptured  towns  have  shared  equally  in 
this  prosperity,  we  have  abundant  reasons  to  be  thankful  for  the 
showers  of  marcy,  which  have  been  extended  to  our  infant  colony. 
Our  commerce  is  daily  extending,  and  we  believe  the  day  is  not 
far  distant  when  our  port  will  be  the  emporium  of  the  western  coast 
of  Africa. 

But  the  object  which  we  consider  of  most  vital  importance  to 
the  future  prosperity  of  the  colony,  is  education.  The  subject  has 
long  lain  dormant,  but  the  late  resolutions  of  the  Board  of  Mana- 
gers, and  the  fixed  determination  of  our  executive  to  carry  them 
into  effect,  give  us  every  reason  to  hope  that  a complete  free  school 
system  is  about  being  put  into  operation.” 


45 


It  had  been  thought  that  the  sale  of  ardent  spirits  was  almost 
necessary  to  the  commerce  of  the  colony  as  the  natives  would  prefer 
selling  their  brethren  to  the  slave  traders, who  always  supplied  them 
with  this  pernicious  article,  rather  than  to  trade  with  the  colonists, 
if  it  could  not  be  obtained  from  them.  And  besides,  the  facilities 
of  introducing  it  clandestinely  were  such,  that  the  Board  of  Mana- 
gers, though  they  were  grieved  to  have  it  so  extensively  introduced 
into  the  colony,  thought  that  to  corrcet  the  evil  by  moral  influ- 
ence, would  be  wiser  and  more  effective  than  by  legal  restraints. 
They  therefore  sent  an  address  to  the  colonists,  expressing  their 
disapprobation  of  the  use  and  sale  of  ardent  spirits;  recommending 
them  to  form  temperance  societies,  and  in  every  way  to  use  their 
influence  to  produce  a correct  public  sentiment  on  this  subject, 
with  the  design  of  lessening  the  demand  for  this  article,  and  of 
finally  banishing  it  from  the  commerce  of  the  colony.  This  ad- 
dress, together  with  various  pamphlets  and  tracts  on  the  subject 
of  temperance  were  not  unavailing.  Many  of  the  colonists  deter- 
mined to  abandon  entirely  the  use  of  ardent  spirits,  and  to  discour- 
age its  introduction  into  the  colony. 

The  excessive  disposition  to  engage  in  commerce  still  continued. 
The  substitution  of  an  anchorage  for  a tonnage  duty  induced  many 
vessels  that  formerly  passed  on  to  the  leeward  coast  to  anchor  now 
in  the  harbor  of  Monrovia,  and  do  business  to  a considerable 
amount. 

The  Liberia  Herald  announced  the  arrival  of  18  and  the  depar- 
ture of  14  vessels  in  a single  month.  Several  of  these  however, 
were  small  schooners  owned  at  the  colony.  The  Herald  of  De- 
cember says,  “ The  beach  is  lined  with  Liberians  of  all  ages, 
from  twelve  to  fifty  years,  eager  in  the  pursuit  of  traffic,  and  in  the 
acquisition  of  camwood;  and  it  is  astonishing  what  little  time  is  ne- 
cessary to  qualify,  even  the  youngest,  to  drive  as  hard  a bargain 
as  any  roving  merchant  from  the  land  of  steady  habits,  with  his 
assortment  of  tin  ware,  nut-megs,  books  or  dry  goods.  Here  the 
simile  ends — for  it  is  to  be  wished  that  our  Liberians  would  follow 
their  prototype  in  the  mother  country  throughout,  and  be  as  care- 
ful in  keeping  as  acquiring. 

The  Liberian  is  certainly  a great  man,  and  what  is  more,  by  the 
natives  he  is  considered  a white  man,  though  many  degrees  from 
that  stand — for  to  be  thought  acquainted  with  the  white  man’s  fash- 
ions, and  to  be  treated  as  one,  are  considered  as  marks  of  great  dis- 
tinction among  the  Bassa  and  other  nations.” 

Forty-six  vessels,  twenty-one  of  which  were  American,  visited 
the  colony  in  the  course  of  the  year.  The  amount  of  exports  was 
$88,911. 

The  slave  trade,  though  it  had  received  some  check  in  the  im- 
mediate vicinity  of  the  colony,  was  still  prosecuted  on  nearly  every 
part  of  the  African  coast. 

In  June,  the  colonial  schooner  Montserado  was  captured  by  a 
Spanish  pirate  off  little  Cape  Mount ; and  her  crew  consisting  of 


46 


eight  persons  either  conveyed  on  board  the  Spanish  vessel,  or  put 
to  death. 

Daring  a visit  of  the  colonial  agent  to  one  of  the  native  towns  in 
the  vicinity  this  summer,  eight  or  ten  of  the  chiefs,  after  consulting 
with  each  other,  united  in  the  request,  that  they  might  be  received 
and  treated  as  subjects  of  the  colony,  and  that  settlements  might  be 
made  on  their  territory.  They  expressed  a confidence  that  in  such 
case,  they  would  no  longer  be  exposed  to  the  incursions  and  cruel- 
ties of  more  powerful  tribes. 

The  just  and  humane  policy  of  the  colonial  government  toward 
the  natives,  induced  the  latter  frequently  to  refer  the  settlement  of 
their  disputes  to  the  colonists,  instead  of  abiding  by  their  own 
laws  and  usages. 

It  was  not  unusual  for  them  to  attend  the  court  of  monthly  ses- 
sions either  as  plaintiffs  or  defendants  ; and  its  decisions  were  cheer- 
fully acquiesced  in  even  by  the  party  against  whom  they  were 
given. 

In  the  autumn  of  this  year,  the  brig  Criterion,  after  a passage  of 
88  days  from  Norfolk,  arrived  at  the  cape  with  44  passengers  who 
were  immediately  landed  and  placed  in  the  receptacle  at  Caldwell. 
This  was  represented  to  be  a better  company,  more  respected  for 
their  habits  of  industry  and  propriety  of  conduct,  than  the  generali- 
ty of  those  who  had  emigrated  for  some  time. 

On  the  9th  of  December,  the  schooner  Orion  arrived  from  Balti- 
more with  30  emigrants,  all  well. 

The  same  day  a small  tract  of  land  at  Grand  Cape  Mount  was 
formally  ceded  to  the  American  Colonization  Society ; healthy, 
fertile,  and  very  advantageously  situated  for  trade;  the  possession 
of  this  tract  was  considered  a valuable  acquisition. 

The  chiefs  of  the  country,  granted  an  unquestionable  title 
to  this  land,  on  the  sole  condition  that  settlers  should  be  placed 
upon  it,  and  that  schools  should  be  established  for  the  benefit 
of  the  native  children.  The  young  men  declared  their 
purpose  of  submitting  to  the  laws  of  the  colony,  and  their  willing- 
ness to  make  further  grants  of  land  to  any  extent  desired,  when- 
ever the  terms  of  the  present  negotiation  should  have  been  com- 
plied with. 

The  liberality  of  the  Pennsylvania  Colonization  Society  enabled 
the  managers  of  the  American  Colonization  Society  this  year  to 
build  a schooner  for  the  use  of  the  colony  of  about  60  tons.  She 
was  completed,  and  sailed  from  Philadelphia  under  the  command 
of  Capt.  Abels  with  a colored  creio  carrying  a valuable  supply  of 
trade  goods.  She  was  called  the  Margaret  Mercer.  Two  fami- 
lies of  colored  people  embarked  in  her,  one  the  Rev.  W.  Johnson’s 
of  Con.,  the  other  liberated  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Mathews  of  Shepards- 
town,  Virginia.  They  arrived  on  the  15th  of  December. 

To  the  Christian  who  esteems  worldly  prosperity  of  little 
moment  in  comparison  with  that  blessing  of  the  Lord  which 


47 


bringeth  salvation,  the  following  letter  from  a colonist  will  not  be 
uninteresting. 

Monrovia,  December  24,  1S31. 

A great  press  of  wordly  business,  and  a great  revival  which 
the  Lord  was  pleased  to  bless  us  with  last  year,  and  greater  part 
of  this,  have  occupied  all  my  time.  Since  Captain  Sherman  was 
with  us,  there  has  been  nearly  one  hundred  added  to  our  church. 
The  work  began  in  June  1830,  in  Monrovia,  and  lasted  till 
the  early  part  of  1831.  It  then  extended  to  Caldwell  and  Cary 
Town,  [New  Georgia]  a settlement  of  recaptured  Africans. 
Among  the  latter  it  has  continued  ever  since,  so  they  make  up  the 
largest  number  that  has  been  added  to  the  church  ; and  they  seem 
fully  to  adorn  the  Christian  character.  They  have  built  themselves 
a small  house  of  worship,  at  which  they  meet  regularly  on  the 
Lord’s  day.  and  twice  in  the  week  for  prayer.  We  have  appoint- 
ed one  of  the  most  intelligent  among  them  to  take  the  oversight  of 
them,  and  to  exhort  them,  when  none  of  the  preachers  are  there 
from  Monrovia.  Monrovia  may  truly  be  said  to  be  a Christian 
community : there  is  scarcely  a family  in  it,  that  some  one  or  the 
whole  do  not  profess  religion. 

“ C.  N.  WARING.” 

1832. 

On  the  14th  of  January,  343  emigrants  arrived  in  the  James 
Perkins.  This  vessel  was  fitted  out  at  short  notice,  at  the  earnest 
request  of  those  who  embarked  in  her,  and  the  unexpected  arrival 
of  her  large  company,  in  addition  to  the  other  recent  arrivals,  oc- 
casioned some  embarrassment  in  providing  shelters  for  them  all. 
Temporary  arrangements  were,  however,  made  for  their  accom- 
modation, until  a receptacle  which  had  been  commenced,  should 
be  finished,  and  some  building  frames  which  were  brought  out  in 
this  ship  erected.  It  was  an  encouraging  circumstance  that  many 
of  this  company  were  farmers,  for  the  time  had  now  come  when 
those  who  could,  must  till  the  soil  for  a subsistence  or  starve. 
More  were  already  engaged  in  trade  than  could  gain  a livelihood 
by  this  means. 

* In  February,  the  schooner  Crawford,  from  ' New  Orleans, 

brought  out  22  emigrants  under  the  care  of  Dr.  Shane  of  Cincin- 
nati. The  following  was  extracted  from  a letter  written  by  this 
gentleman  from  the  colony.  “ I here  see  many  who  left  the  United 
States  in  straitened  circumstauces,  living  with  all  the  comforts  of 
life  around  them,  enjoying  a respectable  and  useful  station  in  so- 
ciety, and  wondering  that  their  brethern  in  the  United  States,  who 
have  it  in  their  power,  do  not  flee  to  this  asylum  of  happiness  and 
liberty.  I am  certain  no  friend  to  humanity  can  come  here  and 


48 


see  the  state  of  things,  without  being  impressed  with  the  immence 
benefits  the  society  is  conferring  on  the  long  neglected  sons  of 
Africa.  Nothing,  but  a want  of  knowledge  of  Liberia,  prevents 
thousands  of  honest,  industrious  free  blacks  from  coming  to  this 
land,  where  liberty  and  religion,  with  all  their  blessings  are  enjoy- 
ed.’’ All  that  is  wanting  here  is  industry  to  make  the  emigrants 
not  only  easy  in  their  circumstances,  but  wealthy. 

In  March,  the  colonists  were  called  to  take  the  field  against  a 
combination  of  the  Dey  and  Gourah  Chiefs.  Several  slaves  about 
to  be  sold  have  escaped  from  King  Brumley,and  sought  protection 
among  the  recaptured  Africans  of  the  colony.  A demand  being 
made  for  them  by  Brumley’s  son,  the  agent  refused  to  treat  with 
him,  but  requested  the  King  to  visit  the  colony,  and  declared  him- 
self ready  to  do  justice  in  the  case.  Soon  after  the  return  of  the 
young  man,  King  Brumley  died,  and  his  sons  immediately  resolv- 
ed on  war.  They  secured  the  aid  of  several  of  the  Dey  and 
Gourah  Chiefs,  (the  latter  of  which  secretly  furnished  men  lor  the 
contest,)  and  commenced  aggressions  by  seizing  and  imprisoning 
several  of  the  colonists.  A messenger  sent  to  them  by  the  colonial 
agent  was  treated  with  contempt,  and  the  settlements  of  Caldwell 
and  Millsburg  threatened  with  destruction.  About  100  recaptured 
Africans  were  sent  against  the  hostile  forces,  but  on  approaching 
the  town  of  a native  chief,  which  had  been  fortified  as  a place  of 
retreat  for  the  aggressors,  they  were  repulsed  and  compelled  to  re- 
treat with  the  loss  of  one  man.  Prompt  and  energetic  measures 
were  now  required ; accordingly  the  agent  at  the  head  of  270 
men,  armed  with  muskets  and  a field  piece,  proceeded  towards  the 
fortified  town  just  mentioned,  and  arriving  about  midnight,  com- 
menced an  attack  upon  the  barricade.  For  twenty  minutes  the 
firing  on  both  sides  was  incessant,  and  in  less  than  half  an  hour, 
the  colonists  were  in  possession  of  the  town  ; with  the  loss  of  one 
man  killed,  (Lieut.  Thompson)  and  two  wounded.  Kai  Pa,  the 
instigator  of  the  war,  received  a wound  when  about  to  apply  the 
match  to  a three  pounder,  which  doubtless  prevented  the  destruc- 
tion of  many  lives.  Of  the  natives,  15  were  killed  and  many 
wounded.  The  courage  and  ability  exhibited  by  the  colonial  agent 
as  well  as  by  the  officers  and  men  under  his  command  on  this  oc- 
casion, left  an  impression  on  the  minds  of  the  natives,  favorable  to 
the  future  peace  and  security  ol  the  colony.  In  a few  days,  six 
Dey  Chiefs  appeared  at  Monrovia  and  signed  a treaty  of  peace  by 
which  it  was  agreed  that  traders  from  the  interior  should  be  allow- 
ed a free  passage  through  their  territories,  and  that  ail  matters  of 
difference  which  might  arise  between  citizens  of  Liberia  and  the 
Dey  people,  with  the  evidences  thereon,  should  be  referred  to  the 
decision  of  the  colonial  agent. 

A few  weeks  after  this  affair  with  the  Dey  people,  the  agent  re- 
ceived a message  from  King  Boatswain,  expressing  his  regret  that 
he  had  not  been  made  acquainted  with  their  hostility,  as  he  would 


49 


have  rendered  it  unnecessary  for  the  colonists  to  march  against 
them. 

This  spring  the  agent  visited  Grand  Bassa,  and  obtained  a deed 
of  a tract  of  land  on  the  south  side  of  the  St.  John’s  river,  con- 
taining from  150  to  200  square  miles,  together  with  four  large 
islands  in  the  river  a little  above  Factory  Island.  The  chiefs 
from  whom  the  purchase  was  made,  agreed  to  build  three  large 
houses  in  the  native  style,  for  the  accommodation  of  the  first  set- 
tlers. 

On  the  30th  of  July,  the  ship  Jupiter  anchored  in  the  harbor  of 
Monrovia,  with  172  emigrants;  a part  of  them  suffered  from  sick- 
ness on  the  passage,  and  several  were  infirm  when  they  landed. 
This  was  considered  one  of  the  most  promising  expeditions  which 
had  been  sent  out  for  some  time.  Several  were  men  of  intelli- 
gence and  education,  superior  to  the  generality  of  their  class. 
They  were  mostly  from  Virginia,  the  two  Carolinas,  and  Georgia. 

In  contrast  to  the  character  of  this  company  was  that  of  the 
emigrants  by  the  America,  182  in  number,  who  arrived  on  the 
15th  of  September.  The  following  is  the  account  given  of  them 
by  the  Colonial  Agent,  in  his  letter  announcing  to  the  Board  their 
arrival : “ With  respect  to  the  character  of  the  people  composing 
this  expedition,  I regret  to  be  compelled  to  state  that  they  are, 
with  the  exception  of  those  from  Washington,  the  family  of  the 
Pages  from  Virginia,  and  a few  others,  the  lowest  and  most  aban- 
doned of  their  class.  From  such  materials  it  is  in  vain  to  expect 
that  an  industrious,  intelligent,  and  enterprising  community  can 
possibly  be  formed ; the  thing  is  utterly  impracticable,  and  they 
cannot  but  retard  instead  of  advancing  the  prosperity  of  the  colo- 
ny. I am  induced  to  be  thus  unreserved  in  my  remarks,  as  it  is 
from  the  sufferings  of  people  of  this  stamp,  occasioned  by  their 
own  indolence  and  stupidity,  that  the  slanderous  reports  circula- 
ted in  the  United  States  have  originated.  Our  respectable  colo- 
nists themselves  are  becoming  alarmed  at  the  great  number  of 
ignorant  and  abandoned  characters  that  have  arrived  within  the 
last  twelve  months,  and  almost  daily  representations  are  made 
by  those  who  have  applied  themselves  to  the  cultivation  of  the 
soil,  of  the  depredations  committed  on  their  crops  by  the  above 
described  class  of  people,  who  cannot  be  induced  to  labor  for  their 
own  support.” 

The  health  of  the  colony  had  never  been  better  than  this  year, 
with  the  exception  of  intermittent  fever  in  the  summer  at  Cald- 
well, attributed  to  local  causes.  The  diseases  of  the  climate  yield- 
ed so  generally  to  the  skill  and  attention  of  the  physicians,  and 
the  deaths  from  acclimating  fever  among  the  emigrants,  by  the 
several  late  expeditions,  had  been  so  very  few,  that  it  seemed  as  if 
the  climate  was  no  longer  to  be  dreaded.  # 

A manifest  improvement  in  the  schools  was  reported  this  year, 
and  a more  general  desire  of  the  colonists  for  the  promotion  of 
education.  Besides  the  six  day  schools  for  children,  there  was  an 
4 


50 


evening  school  for  adults.  The  female  schools  at  Monrovia  and 
Caldwell,  were  well  conducted,  and  attended  by  nearly  a hundred 
girls.  The  teachers,  Mrs.  Johnson  and  Mrs.  Cesar,  were  paid  by 
a society  of  ladies  in  Philadelphia.  At  Millsburg,  there  was  no 
good  school,  and  none  of  any  kind  among  the  recaptured  Africans, 
except  Sunday  schools,  which  were  well  attended  and  taught  by 
their  own  people,  many  of  whom  could  read.  Each  tribe  had  a 
house  of  worship,  and  a town  or  palaver  house  built  by  voluntary 
subscription  and  joint  labor.  A street  separated  the  neat  and 
well  built  villages  of  the  Eboes  and  Congoes— their  farms  adjacent 
to  the  village  were  under  excellent  cultivation,  and  they  were 
stated  to  be  the  most  industrious  and  thriving  of  any  people  in  the 
colony,  but  they  had  very  imperfect  notions  of  republican  gov- 
ernment. They  had  several  times  attempted  to  choose  a chief 
without  success,  the  minority  refusing  submission  to  the  person 
chosen.  This  year  they  solicited  the  colonial  agent  to  superin- 
tend their  election  ; it  was  held  in  his  presence  and  after  he  had 
explained  to  them  the  object  of  an  election,  and  the  necessity  of 
submitting  to  the  will  of  the  majority,  they  appeared  perfectly 
satisfied. 

These  recaptured  Africans  not  unfrequently  procured  wives 
from  the  adjacent  tribes  by  paying  a small  sum  to  the  parents  of 
the  girl.  The  women  thus  obtained  were  married  and  dressed  ac- 
cording to  the  customs  of  the  colony,  and  in  a short  time  adopted 
the  habits  of  the  settlers,  so  as  scarcely  to  be  distinguished  from 
those  who  had  been  several  years  in  the  United  States. 

The  settlement  of  Grand  Bassa  was  commenced  on  the  18th  of 
December,  by  38  emigrants,  under  the  most  encouraging  cir- 
cumstances. The  chiefs  and  people  of  the  country  received  them 
in  the  most  cordial  manner;  assisted  them  in  building  houses,  and 
constructing  a barricade  upon  which  their  guns  were  mounted, 
though  there  was  no  prospect  of  their  being  required  for  defence. 

Bob  Gray  one  of  the  chiefs  from  whom  the  territory  was  pur- 
chased, had  planted  a large  quantity  of  cassada  and  sweet  potatoes 
on  their  land  for  the  use  of  the  settlers.  Mr.  Williams,  the  vice 
ao*ent,  who  accompanied  these  emigrants,  performed  divine  service 
several  times  during  his  stay,  and  found  among  the  natives  (most 
of  whom  could  speak  English,)  a numerous  and  attentive  congre- 
gation. They  were  anxious  to  have  a school  established  among 
them. 

The  following  extracts  of  letters  written  from  Monrovia  will 
show  how  the  colonists  estimated  their  own  advantages — one  wrote 
to  her  former  mistress  in  Virginia ; — “ Our  house  has  one  front 
room,  a shed  room,  and  one  above  stairs.  When  Mr.  Hatter  re- 
turns, he  intends  to  build  a stone  house.  Our  lot  is  in  a very 
pretty  part  of  the  town,  and  1 have  a great  many  very  pretty  trees 
growing  in  it.  I send  you,  by  Mr.  Hatter,  some  tortoise  shell  and 

a little  ivory  tooth  ; and  some  shells  to  Miss and  . 

Give  my  love  to  them,  and  tell  them  I wish  they  had  such  a sweet 


51 


beach  to  take  their  morning  and  evening  walks  on  as  we  have 
here.  My  dear  mistress,  you  do  not  know  how  thankful  I am  to 
you  for  buying  my  husband.”  The  same  wrote  to  her  sister  : “ I 
never  v as  better  satisfied  in  my  life,  if  1 only  had  my  dear  rela- 
tions ar  d friends  with  me.  We  enjoy  the  same  liberty  here  that 
our  mesters  and  mistresses  do  in  America.  I am  so  well  pleased 
with  my  situation  I would  not  change  it  for  all  America.  You 
need  not  be  afraid  to  come  ; every  person  has  to  see  trouble  and  in- 
convenience at  first,  in  a new  country.  I have  seen  about  as  much 
trouble  as  any  body,  and  I know  I am  satisfied.  I get  a great 
deal  of  work  to  do.  I keep  a girl  ten  years  old  for  her  victuals 
and  clothes.  1 have  taught  her  to  read  and  sew,  and  she  assists 
me  in  cooking  and  cleaning.  I have  coffee  in  my  lot,  a good 
many  other  trees,  and  the  guava,  which  makes  nice  sweetmeats. 
If  I only  had  you  and  your  family,  mother  and  her  family,  and  if 
my  dear  husband  was  returned,  I should  be  as  happy  as  the  day 
is  long.” 

Another  wrote  to  his  mistress : “ It  gives  me  great  satisfaction 
that  every  thing  I do  is  for  myself  and  my  children.  I would  not 

• give  the  enjoyment  I have  had  since  I have  been  in  Africa  for  all 
1 have  seen  in  America.  I ho  ve  set  out  all  kinds  of  trees  that  are 
in  Africa.  As  soon  as  my  coffee  trees  bear  I will  send  you  some. 
We  have  preaching  every  Sunday,  and  prayer  meeting  every  night 
through  the  week.  Many  of  the  recaptured  Africans  come  to  be 
baptized,  and  we  expect  more  shortly  ; they  appear  to  be  more 
diligent  than  the  Americans.” 

1833. 

* Six  hundred  and  forty-nine  emigrants  were  landed  at  Monro- 
via this  year,  from  six  different  vessels,  five  of  which  left  the  Uni- 
ted States  the  latter  part  of  1832. 

The  arrival  of  so  great  a number  of  emigrants  in  so  short  a 
time,  had  not  been  anticipated  by  the  Agent,  nor  were  the  means 
provided  by  the  Board  sufficient  to  furnish  the  provisions  and  ac- 
commodations necessary  for  the  health  and  comfort  of  these  new 
comers.  The  consequence  was  suffering,  discontent,  and  com- 
plaint. 

In  July,  the  brig  Ajax  arrived  from  New  Orleans,  with  a large 
company  of  emigrants  from  Kentucky  and  Tennessee,  nearly  all 
of  whom  were  manumitted,  that  they  might  proceed  as  freemen 
to  Liberia.  The  entire  company  were  of  the  most  respectable 
character,  and  only  eleven  out  of  the  one  hundred  and  fifty  that 
left  the  United  States,  were  over  forty  years  of  age.  They  were 
accompanied  by  an  agent  from  Tennessee,  and  Mr.  Savage,  from 
Ohio,  who  had  devoted  himself  to  the  moral  and  intellectual  im- 
provement of  Africa.  The  cholera  was  just  beginningits  ravages  in 
New  Orleans  at  the  time  the  Ajax  sailed  from  that  port,  and  t wen- 


52 


ty-nine  of  the  emigrants  fell  victims  to  that  disease  daring  the 
early  part  of  the  passage. 

A large  company  ot  emigrants  from  South  Carolina,  were  en- 
terprising, intelligent  and  industrious.  Many  of  them  possessed 
capital.  Such  as  were  farmer*,  drew  their  plantation  lots  in  a body 
for  their  mutual  convenience  and  benefit. 

Agriculture  did  not,  in  general,  receive  the  attention  which  its 
importance  demanded — the  mania  for  trade  still  prevail  in  g. 

The  settlement  at  Grand  Bassa  increased  this  year  from  thirty- 
three  to  one  hundred  and  seventy,  and  the  pioneers,  already  set- 
tled on  their  enclosed  town  lots,  were  making  commendable  pro- 
gress in  agricultural  improvements. 

Their  town,  named  Edina,*  was  laid  out  on  a tongue  of  land  on 
the  north  side  of  the  St.  Johns,  and  presented  a tine  view  from 
the  ocean.  A short  distance  from  Edina  was  the  native 
town  of  Bob  Gray,  who  considered  himself  highly  honored  by 
having  Americans  so  near  him.  Between  the  two  settlements,  was 
the  ancient  Devil  Bush,  of  the  Grand  Bassa  people,  which  they  re- 
served in  their  sale  of  lands  to  the  colonists,  though  it  was  no 
longer  used  for  the  performance  of  their  superstitious  rites.  « It  is 
evident”  said  the  editor  of  the  Herald,  “to  the  most  casual  observer 
that  the  natives  in  the  vicinity  of  our  settlements,  are  gradually 
becoming  more  enlightened,  and  consequently  less  observant  of 
their  superstitious  notions  and  idolatry.  It  is  pleasing  to  reflect 
that  the  spot  near  which  the  nameless  bloody  rites  of  Moloch  have 
been  perpetrated  for  centuries,  is  soon  to  be  the  site  of  a mission 
house,  which  is  erecting  by  the  direction  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Cox,  mis- 
sionary from  the  United  States.”  This  was  the  first  Methodist 
missionary  to  Liberia.  He  arrived  in  March,  having  on  his  voyage 
touched  at  Cape  de  Yerds,  Batheust,  on  the  Gambia,  and  Sierra 
Leone,  and  conferred  with  many  intelligent  and  religious  men  at 
the  English  settlements.  He  regularly  organized  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church,  at  Monrovia,  purchased  the  mission  house 
which  was  built  by  Mr.  Ashmun,  and  selected  several  important 
points  for  missionary  stations.  But  his  health,  which  had  long 
been  feeble,  failed  before  he  had  done  much  towards  the  accom- 
plishment of  his  enlarged  plans  of  benevolence,  and  on  the  20th  of 
July,  his  career  of  usefulness  was  closed  by  death.  His  own  words 
better  express  his  zeal  and  devotedness,  than  a volume  written  in 
his  praise.  “ Let  thousands  fall  before  Africa  he  abandoned''1 
The  following  paragraph  in  the  Liberia  Herald,  shows  that  the 
colonists  themselves  were  doing  something  for  the  missionary 
cause : 

“ According  to  the  resolutions  of  the  Managers  of  the  Board  of 
Domestic  and  Foreign  Missions  in  the  town  of  Monrovia,  and  colo- 


♦Through  the  able  and  generous  efforts  of  Elliott  Cresson,  large  contributions 
were  obtained  in  England  and  Scotland, in  aid  of  the  American  Colonization  Society. 
It  was  in  honor  of  the  liberality  of  the  citizens  of  Edinburgh,  that  the  name  Edma 
was  given  to  the  settlement. 


53 


ny  of  Liberia,  held  on  the  17th  of  May,  1833,  at  the  Monrovia  Bap- 
tist church,  Adam  W.  Anderson,  by  proposal  to  said  Board,  was 
unanimiously  appointed  a missionary  by  all  present,  to  locate  him- 
self, for  the  space  of  one  year,  at  Grand  Cape  Mount  (West  Africa) 
among*  the  Vey  people,  to  teach  the  children  of  natives,  as  far  as 
possible,  the  English  language,  and  to  preach  when  opportunity 
would  offer  itself,  to  the  adult  part  of  the  tribe.  He  will  leave  Cape 
Montserado  in  a few  days,  in  prosecution  of  so  arduous  and  im- 
portant a duty.  O ! may  much  good  be  done  through  his  instru- 
mentality, among  that  idolatrous  and  perverse  people,  that  the  Sa- 
viour of  mankind  might  receive  abundant  honor,  even  among  the 
Heathen,  to  His  great  name.” 

In  regard  to  the  moral  and  religious  condition  of  the  colony 
generally,  but  little  change  had  taken  place.  There  were  nine 
houses  of  worship  in  the  various  settlements,  and  the  Sabbath  and 
public  worship  were  well  observed. 

This  was  a year  of  unusual  sickness  and  mortality.  Out  of  the 
six  hundred  and  forty-nine  emigrants  that  had  arrived,  one  hun- 
dred and  thirty-four  died.  Those  of  no  particular  class,  nor  from 
no  particuiar  section  of  the  United  States,  were  exempt  from  the 
fatal  effects  of  the  fever,  though  the  emigrants  from  the  North  suf- 
fered most.  The  colony  had  been  deprived  of  the  services  of  Drs. 
Todson  and  Hall,  both  having  returned  to  the  United  States  on  ac- 
count of  ill  health,  the  duties  of  physician,  for  the  whole  colony, 
devolved  on  the  agent,  Ur.  Mecklin,  who  himself  was  enfeebled  by 
the  fever,  caused  by  exposure.  The  emigrants  were  located  in 
settlements  widely  separated  from  each  other.  When  attacked  with 
fever,  one  physician  could  not,  even  if  in  good  health,  give  them  pro- 
per attention.  The  emigrants  from  the  South,  believing  they  were 
in  no  danger,  imprudently  exposed  themselves  to  the  various  excit- 
ing causes  of  the  fever,  and  when  attacked,  relied  for  remedies  on 
some  of  their  own  company,  rather  than  on  the  advice  of  those 
more  experienced. 

Among  the  deaths  that  occurred  this  year,  none  was  more  la- 
mented than  that  of  Francis  Devany,  (of  consumption.)  He  was 
originally  a slave,  belonging  to  Langdon  Cheves,  Esq.,  of  Charles- 
ton, S.  C.,  and  emigrated  to  Liberia  at  an  early  period  of  its  settle- 
ment. He  engaged  in  commerce,  and  accumulated  a handsome 
fortune.  He  held  lor  some  time  the  office  of  high  sheriff  of  the 
^ colony,  and  in  the  various  relations  of  life,  sustained  and  deserved 
the  character  of  an  honest  man. 

In  their  annual  report,  the  Board  of  Managers  of  the  American 
Colonization  Societ}q  while  they  deplored  the  suffering,  and  loss  of 
life  experienced  in  the  colony,  expressed  undiminished  confidence 
in  the  final  success  of  their  enterprise,  and  referred  to  still  more  dis- 
astrous events  in  the  early  history  of  American  Colonization. — 
The  comparative  view  given  by  them,  was  as  follows : “ The 

number  which  had  been  sent  to  the  colony  before  the  arrival  of 
the  expeditions  above  mentioned,  as  so  severely  afflicted,  was 


54 


1872  persons,  and  the  actual  population  of  the  colony  (not  includ- 
ing the  recaptured  Africans)  in  1832,  sixteen  hundred  and  ninety- 
seven.  The  whole  number  of  emigrants,  including  the  expedi- 
tions of  last  year,  and  the  recaptured  Africans,  (a  part  of  whom 
only  were  removed  from  this  country,)  has  been  3123,  while  the 
present  population  of  the  colony  is  stated  to  be  2816.  About  fifty 
of  the  colonists  are  believed  to  have  been  absent  in  the  country,  at 
the  time  this  census  was  taken.  Now,  it  should  not  be  forgotten, 
that  the  early  emigrants  were  exposed  to  almost  every  variety  of 
hardship  and  suffering,  that  several  fell  in  a contest  with  the  na- 
tives, that  from  twenty  to  fifty  at  least,  have  returned,  that  some 
have  perished  by  disasters  upon  the  rivers  and  at  sea,  that  all  have 
had  to  contend  with  difficulties,  inseparable  from  their  enterprise, 
in  an  untried  climate,  and  on  a distant  and  uncultivated  shore,  and 
finally,  that  neither  the  information  nor  the  pecuniary  means  of 
ihe  Society,  have  at  all  times  been  such,  as  to  enable  it  adequately, 
to  fulfill  the  dictates  of  its  own  benevolence. 

While  the  facts  just  stated,  must  excite  painful  emotions  in  the 
breast  of  every  member  of  this  Society,  while  all  will  feel  that  hu- 
man life  is  not  to  be  wantonly  exposed  or  lightly  regarded,  neither 
(the  Managers  may  be  permitted  to  say,)  on  account  of  ordinary  or 
temporary  calamities,  should  a great  case,  undertaken  from  the 
purest  motives,  and  for  purposes  of  large  and  lasting  good  to  man- 
kind, be  abandoned.  The  history  of  Colonization  in  America, 
proves  how  impotent  were  events,  in  themselves  most  afflictive 
and  disheartening,  to  arrest  the  progress  of  settlements  founded  by 
men  who  grew  wise  in  adversity,  and  gathered  resolution  and 
strength  from  defeat.  The  genius  of  our  nation  sprung  from  the 
colonies  of  Plymouth  and  Jamestown,  rebukes  the  despondency 
which  would  augur  destruction  to  Liberia,  because  dark  clouds 
have  hung  over  it,  and  many  valuable  lives  perished  in  laying 
its  foundation.  Nearly  one  half  the  first  Plymouth  emigrants  died 
in  the  course  of  four  months.  The  first  three  attempts  to  plant  a 
colony  in  Virginia,  totally  failed.  In  six  months,  ninety  of  the  one 
hundred  settlers  who  landed  at  Jamestown  died.  Subsequently,  in 
the  same  brief  period,  the  inhabitants  of  this  colony  were  reduced 
from  five  hundred  to  sixty ; and  long  after,  when  £150,000  had 
been  expended  on  that  colony,  and  nine  thousand  people  had  been 
sent  thither,  its  population  amounted  to  but  1800  souls.” 

The  report  of  Capt.  Voorhees,  of  the  U.  S.  ship  John  Adams,  to 
the  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  dated  14th  of  December,  1833,  gave 
some  interesting  facts  in  relation  to  the  condition  of  the  colony. — 
“ The  importance  of  this  settlement  here,  is  daily  developing  itself, 
in  various  ways,  and  is  always  felt  as  a refuge  of  security  and  hos- 
pitality, both  to  the  oppressed  natives  and  the  shipwrecked  mariner. 
Lately  a French  oil  ship  was  cast  away  to  the  south  of  Grand 
Bassa,  where  the  crew,  about  twenty  in  number,  were  kindly  re- 
ceived by  the  settlers  at  that  place,  and  from  which  they  safely 
travelled,  uninterrupted,  along  the  sea  shore  to  Monrovia.  Here 


55 


the  generous  hospitality  of  the  people  of  Liberia,  (though  with  hum- 
ble means,  and  at  their  own  expense,)  prompted  them  to  fit  out  a 
conveyance  for  the  seamen,  by  the  Government  schooner,  in  which 
they  were  carried  to  their  own  settlement  of  Goree.  And  on  our 
arrival  here,  Ifound  a French  man  of  war  barque,  the  commander 
of  which  had  been  despatched  by  the  Governor  of  Goree,  to  ex- 
press the  thanks  of  his  country  to  the  people  of  Liberia,  lor  the 
charitable  services  which  they  had  rendered  their  countrymen. 

Monrovia  appears  to  be  in  a thriving  condition,  and  bears  an  air 
of  comfort  and  neatness  in  the  dwellings  quite  surprising.  Seve- 
ral stone  warehouses  and  stone  wharves  line  the  banks  of  the  river; 
others  are  building,  which,  with  schooners  loading  and  unloading 
or  repairing,  afford  an  aspect  and  an  air  of  business  common  to  a 
respectable  white  population.  All  seem  to  be  employed,  good  order 
and  morality  prevailing  throughout.  But  cultivators  of  the  soil 
are  mostly  needed  here.  A few  mechanics  might  do  well,  such  as 
ship-carpenters,  blacksmiths,  sail-makers,  boat-builders,  masons 
and  house-carpenters.  The  settlement  must  move  onwards,  and 
with  all  its  disadvantages,  it  appears  a miracle,  that  it  should  be  in 
such  a state  of  advancement. 

i An  intelligent  man,  about  60  years  of  age,  with  whom  I con- 

versed, stated  that  he  had  been  here  about  eighteen  months,  and 
was  getting  on  cleverly  for  himself  and  family,  and  that  on  no  ac- 
count would  he  return  to  the  United  States.  “ It  was  true  he  had 
not  yet  the  luxuries  nor  the  accommodations  which  he  had 
been  accustomed  to  in  America,  but  the  want  of  these  were  not  to 
be  brought  into  competition  with  his  rights  and  privileges  as  a man 
in  Liberia ; for  here  only,  in  the  consciousness  of  having  no  supe- 
rior, did  he  feel  himself  a man,  or  had  he  ever  before  known  what 
it  was  to  be  truly  happy.” 

> The  colonial  agent,  Dr.  Mecklin,  who  had  done  much  to  enlarge 

the  territory  and  extend  the  influence  of  the  colony,  returned  to 
the  United  States,  and  resigned  his  office  as  colonial  agent.  His 
health  had  been  impaired  by  the  arduous  labors  of  his  station,  and 
the  influence  of  the  climate.  A removal  from  a tropical  region, 
seemed  to  offer  the  only  hope  of  his  recovery. 

1834. 

The  first  day  of  this  year  welcomed  the  arrival  of  a new  colonial 
* agent,  the  Rev.  J.  B.  Pinney,  which  is  thus  announced  in  the  Li- 
beria Herald  for  January.  “ On  the  31st  ult.  the  ship  Jupiter  ar- 
rived in  our  harbor,  having  on  board,  as  passengers,  Rev.  J.  B. 
Pinney,  recently  appointed  colonial  agent  by  the  Board  of  Mana- 
gers of  the  American  Colonization  Society,  Dr.  G.  P.  Todsen, 
colonial  physician,  Rev.  Messrs.  Spaulding  and  Wright,  with  their 
ladies,  and  Miss  Ferington,  missionaries  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  church,  Rev.  Mr.  Laird  and  lady,  Rev.  Messrs. 
Clould  and  Temple,  missionaries  of  the  Presbyterian  church, 


56 


and  Messrs.  Williams  and  Roberts  of  this  colony.  The 
Jupiter  also  brings  out  about  fifty  emigrants.  On  New  Year’s  day, 
at  10  o’clock,  A.  M.  the  new  agency  boat,  recently  procured  from 
the  U.  States’  ship  John  Adams,  was  despatched  to  the  ship  Jupiter, 
for  the  colonial  agent,  Rev.  J.  B.  Pinney.  About  noon,  he  landed 
at  Waring’s  wharf,  where  he  was  received  by  the  civil  and  military 
officers,  and  the  different  uniform  companies  of  the  colony ; he  was 
then  escorted  to  the  agency  house,  where  he  was  welcomed  by  the 
acting  agent,  G.  R.  McGill,  Esq.  Minute  guns  were  fired  from 
the  time  the  boat  left  the  ship  till  she  arrived  at  the  wharf.” 

Mr.  Pinney  had  visited  Liberia  the  preceding  year  as  a mission- 
ary, and  after  examining  several  places  on  the  coast  and  in  the 
interior,  and  making  arrangements  for  the  prosecution  of  his  work, 
he  returned  to  the  United  States  to  improve  his  impaired  health, 
report  his  prospects,  and  obtain  associates  in  his  enterprise.  At 
the  earnest  solicitation  of  the  Board,  he  accepted  a temporary  agen- 
cy; on  his  arrival,  he  immediately  applied  himself  to  the  discharge 
of  his  duties,  which  were  arduous  indeed.  The  agency  house  and 
other  public  buildings  needed  repairs,  to  render  them  fit  for  occu- 
pancy. The  public  store  was  without  trade  goods,  the  provisions 
were  nearly  exhausted,  the  paupers,  or  those  who  were  a charge 
on  the  colony,  were  numerous,  and  badly  provided  for,  and  the 
public  schooner  used  in  obtaining  provisions  coast- wise,  could  not 
be  used  without  expensive  repairs.  Late  changes  in  the  mode  of 
appointing  officers,  and  in  the  local  regulations  among  the  recap- 
tured Africans,  who  were  of  different  tribes,  had  produced  dissatis- 
faction, and  they  were  in  a state  of  great  disorder.  The  financial 
affairs  of  the  colony  were  in  great  derangement.  The  mode  of 
compensating  officers  employed  by  the  Society,  had  induced  pecu- 
lation, and  orders  of  the  former  agent,  to  the  amount  of  several 
thousand  dollars,  were  held  by  colonists,  clamorous  for  their  pay. 
The  want  of  correct  surveys,  maps  and  land-marks,  was  a source 
of  great  trouble,  among  both  farmers  and  owners  of  town  lots  ; the 
field  notes  of  the  original  surveys  having  been  lost,  it  was  impos- 
sible to  settle  the  bounds  of  lots  ; and  as  the  lots  and  farms  had  in- 
creased in  value,  the  difficulty  was  the  more  felt.  Mr.  Pinney 
corrected  many  abuses,  satisfied  the  public  creditors,  and  relieved 
the  sufferings  of  the  poor;  but  in  accomplishing  this,  he  only  con- 
solidated the  colonial  debt  by  drafts  on  the  treasury  of  the  Society. 
This  debt  had  been  accumulating  for  the  last  two  years,  the  funds  of 
the  Society  being  insufficient  to  meet  the  expenses  of sending  out.and 
providing  for  the  unusual  number  of  emigrants  which  had  arrived 
during  that  time.  To  make  the  expenses  on  the  public  buildings, 
and  provide  for  the  various  and  necessary  repairs  of  the  colony,  he 
was  under  the  necessity  of  negotiating  drafts  on  the  treasury  of 
the  Society  for  $11,000  over  and  above  all  means  furnished  him  by 
the  Board  of  Managers.  He  succeeded  in  restoring  order  among 
the  recaptured  Africans,  by  allowing  the  Congoes  and  Eboes  each 
to  elect  their  own  civil  officers.  Although  these  people  had  made 


57 


great  advances  in  civilization,  their  notions  of  caste  were,  to  some 
extent,  still  retained.  The  farms  and  lots  were  resurveyed  and 
permanent  land-marks  established. 

In  addition  to  the  emigrants  by  the  Jupiter,  another  company  of 
about  fifty  arrived  this  winter  in  the  Argus.  These  were  the  last 
that  came  out  this  year,  under  the  patronage  of  the  American  Colo- 
nization Society. 

An  expedition  sent  out  in  the  brig  Ann,  by  the  Maryland  Colo- 
nization Society,  to  form  an  independent  settlement,  after  visiting 
Monrovia  and  Grand  Bassa,  and  taking  with  them  twenty  or  thirty 
acclimated  citizens  proceeded  to  Cape  Palmas,  where  they  arrived 
on  the  11th  of  February.  This  Society  had  taken  every  precau- 
tion to  insure  the  success  of  their  colony.  They  furnished  a large 
stock  of  trade  goods,  tools  and  agricultural  implements  ; the  emi- 
grants were  well  selected,  and  the  Society  was  fortunate  in  secur- 
ing the  services  of  an  excellent  agent,  Dr.  Hall,  whom  they  instruct- 
ed to  exclude  ardent  spirits  in  trading  with  the  natives.  He  suc- 
ceeded in  procuring  an  eligible  tract  of  land  on  the  Cavally  river, 
well  adapted  to  agriculture,  to  which  employment  the  industry  of 
colonists  was  to  be  exclusively  directed.  The  native  kings,  from 
whom  the  purchase  was  made,  expressed  much  satisfaction  at  the 
proposal  of  the  Americans  to  settle  among  them,  and  a great  desire 
for  the  establishment  of  schools.  Messis.  Wilson  and  Wynkoop, 
who  accompanied  the  expedition,  after  taking  a survey  of  the  coast 
from  Monrovia  to  Cape  Palmas,  with  reference  to  a missionary  es- 
tablishment, returned  to  the  United  States. 

In  the  summer,  the  Jupiter  returned  to  Monrovia  with  stores, 
agricultural  implements  and  trade  goods,  to  the  amount  of  $7,000. 
Among  her  passengers,  were  Rev.  Ezekiel  Skinner,  missionary  and 
physician,  Dr.  McDowall,  a physician  from  Scotland,  and  Charles 
H.  Webb,  one  of  the  colored  medical  students,  educated  by  the 
Board,  and  who  was  to  complete  the  study  of  his  profession  in  the 
colony.  Mr.  Searle  and  Mr.  Finley,  both  young  men  of  liberal 
education,  came  out  as  teachers,  under  the  patronage  of  the  Ladies’ 
Association  of  New  Y ork  city. 

Mr.  Pinney’s  health  was  so  bad  during  this  summer,  as  to  render 
him  incapable  of  attending  to  his  public  duties,  and  several  works 
and  improvements  which  he  had  commenced,  were  consequently 
retarded  or  suspended.  Dr.  Skinner  was  employed  to  aid  in 
the  transaction  of  public  business,  while,  at  the  same  time,  he 
successfully  pursued  the  practice  of  his  profession  as  a physician, 
and  attended  to  his  missionary  duties. 

Mr.  Seys  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church,  appointed  to  the 
charge  of  their  Liberia  mission,  arrived  in  October.  A more  judi- 
cious selection  could  scarcely  have  been  made.  A native  of  the 
West  Indies,  he  had  nothing  to  fear  from  the  climate  ; was  acquaint- 
ed with  the  agriculture  of  tropical  latitudes,  experienced  in  busi- 
ness, industrious  and  persevering,  conciliating  in  his  manners, 
and  a zealous  Christian.  He  visited  the  various  settlements,  and  in 


53 


a few  weeks  after  his  arrival,  had  established  a school  at  New 
Georgia,  in  which  twenty-eight  children  and  fifty-eight  adults 
were  taught — and  one  at  Edina  with  forty-three  scholars. 

The  Colonial  Council  had  passed  an  ordinance  for  the  suspen- 
of  the  public  schools,  until  some  plan  should  be  devised  for  con- 
ducting them  more  successfully.  There  was  a great  want  of  suita- 
ble teachers,  school  books  and  stationery ; and  beside,  the  council 
wished  to  appropriate  the  public  funds  to  the  erection  of  a new 
court-house  and  jail. 

Tiie  girls’  schools,  at  Monrovia  and  Caldwell,  were  flourishing. 
An  interesting  notice  was  given  of  them  in  the  following  extract  of 
a letter,  written  by  an  old  and  respectable  colonist : 

“ I am  happy  to  inform  you,  that  the  schools  supported  by  the 
ladies  of  Philadelphia,  continue  to  exert  the  most  beneficial  influ- 
ence on  our  rising  generation,  and  many  will  live  to  bless  the  name 
of  Beulah  Sansom.  We  had  an  exhibition  of  Mrs.  Thompson’s 
school,  in  the  Methodist  meeting  house,  and  I cannot  express  the 
great  interest  felt  on  the  occasion.  Our  ware-houses  were  shut 
up , so  that  all  might  attend.  It  was  very  largely  attended,  al- 
though each  had  to  pay  twelve  and  a half  cents.  Mr.  Eden’s 
school,  at  New  Georgia,  among  the  recaptured  Africans,  is  doing 
well.  Our  new  and  excellent  Governor  Pinney,  is  quite  indefati- 
gable in  his  labors  to  push  forward  the  interests  of  the  colony,  and 
strongly  reminds  us  of  the  sainted  Ashmun,  He  has  determined 
upon  taking  measures  to  re-establish  a public  farm  near  Caldwell, 
on  the  plan  of  Mr.  Ashmun,  where  all  idle  persons  and  vagrants 
may  be  placed.  Many  persons  are  going  to  farming,  and  I am 
within  bounds  when  I say  that  three  times  the  quantity  of  ground 
will  be  put  under  cultivation  this  season,  over  any  preceding  year.” 

The  cause  of  African  missions  suffered  severely  this  year,  by 
the  death  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Laird  and  wife,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Cloud, 
of  the  Presbyterian  church,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Wright  and  wife,  of 
the  Methodist  Episcopal  church,  individuals  who,  by  their  talents, 
zeal  and  piety,  were  qualified  for  extensive  usefulness  in  the  work 
to  which  their  lives  were  cheerfully  devoted. 

There  had  been  a number  of  deaths  among  the  emigrants  who 
came  out  in  the  Argus,  but  few  instances  of  mortality  had  since 
occurred;  among  these  were  the  death  of  Rev.  C.  M.  Waring; 
who  emigrated  from  Virginia  in  1823,  pastor  of  the  first  Baptist 
Church,  member  of  the  Colonial  Council,  and  who  had  twice 
filled  the  office  of  Vice  Agent ; and  the  Rev.  G.  V.  Cesar,  from 
Connecticut,  a minister  ot  the  Episcopal  Church,  and  Surveyor 
of  the  Colony.  Charles  H.  Webb,  who  promised  to  be  very  ser- 
viceable to  the  Colony  in  the  practice  of  medicine,  fell  a victim 
to  the  local  fever,  or  to  his  own  imprudence  while  it  was  upon 
him. 

A very  valuable  tract  of  land  at  Bassa  Cove  was  purchased  for 
the  Young  Men’s  Colonization  Society  of  Pennsylvania,  whereon 
to  establish  a Colony.  This  was  deemed  as  favorable  a location 


59 


for  a settlement  as  any  on  the  coast  of  Western  Africa,  The  land 
was  rich,  lying  on  the  St.  John’s  river,  which  affords  boat  naviga- 
tion far  into  the  interior  ; the  anchorage  in  the  road  stead  good  ; 
the  sites  for  towns  on  the  sea  coast  eligibly.  The  first  expedition 
to  this  place  was  by  the  ship  Ninus,  which  carried  out  126  emi- 
grants, 110  of  whom  were  manumitted  slaves,  freed  by  the  will 
of  Dr.  Hawes,  of  Virginia.  They  were  settled  under  the  agency 
of  Dr.  Me  Do  wall,  and  it  is  worthy  of  remark  that  the  planting 
of  this  Colony  broke  up  an  extensive  slave  factory.  This  settle- 
ment was  made  on  strict  Temperance  and  Peace  principles,  fur- 
nished with  neither  arms  nor  liquors. 

The  native  tribes  on  the  sea  coast  who  had  leagued  together 
ten  years  before  to  destroy  the  colonists,  and  met  with  such  signal 
defeat,  had  ever  since  courted  their  favor,  and  to  save  themselves 
from  the  attacks  of  the  more  powerful  nations  in  the  interior,  had 
applied  for  the  protection  of  the  Colonies,  which  was  extended  to 
ten  kings  and  head  men  with  their  people ; all  of  whom  were 
subject  to  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Colony,  and  enjoyed  the  protec- 
tion of  their  laws. 

Dr.  Skinner’s  opinion  of  the  influence  of  colonization  in  ame- 
liorating the  condition  of  the  native  Africans  is  forcibly  expressed 
in  the  following  extract : 

“ 1 become  daily  more  convinced  that  the  Colonization  cause  is 
the  cause  of  God.  Slavery  in  a form,  far  more  horrid  than  in  the 
United  States,  exists  in  an  unknown  extent,  spread  over  this  vast 
continent.  A general  effort  to  civilize  and  christianize  the  natives, 
is  the  only  means  of  putting  it  down.  Slave  factories  are  esta- 
blished all  along  the  coast,  Liberia  only  excepted,  from  which 
thousands  every  year  are  carried  into  perpetual  bondage.  There 
is  no  other  conceivable  means  to  abolish  it  but  by  the  establish- 
ment of  colonies  on  the  coast.  I would  aid  the  cause  of  Chris- 
tianity and  colonization  here,  if  Jew  or  infidel,  and  so  would  every 
man  that  knew  the  facts,  and  had  the  least  regard  for  the  temporal 
welfare  of  millions  that  are  in  this  land.  Had  I a thousand  lives 
1 would  devote  them  all  in  such  an  enterprise  as  is  now  going  for- 
ward here.  All  the  money  necessary  would  be  furnished,  did 
the  Christian  public  know  the  facts,  and  what  was  needed.  That 
there  are  difficulties  in  our  way  is  true,  and  that  there  has  been 
some  bad  management  here  is  also  true  ; but  shall  these  things 
discourage  us,  and  lead  us  to  give  up  the  only  conceivable  means 
of  meliorating  the  condition  of  millions  of  our  fellow  men  ? 
Shall  we  forsake  the  last  plank,  the  only  ground  of  hope,  for 
causes  such  as  these?  What  would  have  been  the  fate  of  Chris- 
tianity had  such  been  the  dastardly  spirit  of  its  first  propa- 
gators ?” 

1835. 

At  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Colonial  Council  in  January,  an 


60 


ordinance  was  passed  giving  township  powers  to  the  various  set- 
tlements. This  was  considered  a favorable  measure  for  the  cause 
of  Temperance  as  it  enabled  the  several  corporations  to  prohibit 
the  introduction  of  ardent  spirits  by  fines.  It  also  gave  them 
power  to  levy  taxes  for  the  support  of  schools,  and  the  building 
of  roads,  bridges,  &c. 

An  important  improvement  was  made  in  the  judiciary  by  cre- 
ating a Court  of  Appeals,  which  measure,  however,  was  not  car- 
ried, without  considerable  and  warm  debate. 

The  Temperance  cause  had  become  the  subject  of  much  interest 
in  the  Colony.  Two  meetings  were  held  in  January  for  the  pur- 
pose of  promoting  it ; a Society  was  formed,  and  other  measures 
used  to  enlist  popular  feeling  in  its  favor.  The  Society,  which  at 
first,  consisted  of  43  persons,  was  soon  increased  to  503,  upon  the 
pledge  of  total  abstinence.  A Temperance  Society  was  also  formed 
at  Edina  this  year.  Captain  Outerbridge,  of  the  brig  Rover, 
who  spent  some  time  at  Monrovia,  wrote,  “ 1 saw  but  one  man 
the  worse  for  liquor  while  I was  at  Monrovia,  that  is,  among  the 
Americans,  but  before  I arrived  I expected  to  see  them  lying  about 
the  streets  drunk  as  we  do  in  the  States.” 

Ou  the  18th  of  January,  the  brig  Bourne,  of  Baltimore,  touched 
at  Monrovia  on  her  way  to  Cape  Palmas,  with  54  emigrants. 

In  April,  the  brig  Rover,  from  New  Orleans,  arrived  at  Mon- 
rovia with  71  emigrants.  These  were  not  inferior  in  good  cha- 
racter and  intelligence  to  any  company  of  emigrants  that  had 
ever  come  to  the  Colony.  At  a public  meeting  held  at  New 
Orleans  before  their  departure,  they  all  formed  themselves  into  a 
Temperance  Society  on  the  principle  of  total  abstinence ; some 
of  them  possessed  considerable  property. 

The  August  number  of  the  Liberia  Herald  (edited  at  this  time 
by  Hilleary  Teage)  announces  the  following  arrivals  : 

“ On  the  9th  instant,  the  brig  Louisiana,  Captain  Williams, 
arrived  from  Norforlk,  Virginia,  with  46  emigrants,  38  of  whom 
are  recaptured  Africans,  principally,  we  believe,  from  the  Nunez 
and  Pongas.  They  are  a strolling  people.  A number  of  their 
countrymen,  and  among  them  some  acquaintances,  have  found 
their  way  to  this  settlement.  They  were  hailed  by  their  redeemed 
brethren  with  the  most  extravagant  expressions  of  joy.” 

On  the  12th  instant,  the  Susan  Elizabeth,  Captain  Lawlin, 
arrived  from  New  York.  Passengers,  Dr.  E.  Skinner,  Colonial 
Agent,  and  daughter.  Rev.  Mr.  Seys  and  family,  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  mission.  Rev.  Messrs.  Crocher,  and  Myln  and  lady, 
of  the  Baptist  mission.  We  hail  with  joy  the  arrival  of  the  pas- 
sengers by  this  vessel.  We  are  led  to  hope  that  this  portion  of 
the  moral  vineyard  is  about  to  be  regarded  with  special  interest. 
Surely  if  any  portion  of  the  earth  has  a claim  upon  another, 
Africa  has  a claim  upon  the  United  States. 

On  the  14th  instant,  the  schooner  Harmony,  Captain  Paschal, 
from  Baltimore,  with  27  emigrants  for  Cape  Palmas,  arrived.  This 


61 


expedition  has  been  long  expected  at  Cape  Palmas,  and  will,  no 
doubt,  prove  an  acceptable  reinforcement  to  Dr.  Hall. 

On  the  19th  instant,  ship  Indiana,  Captain  Wood,  arrived  from 
Savannah,  with  65  emigrants,  among  whom  was  Dr.  Davis  and 
family. 

These  repeated  arrivals,  following  so  closely  in  the  track  of 
each  other,  seem  to  have  given  some  degree  of  uneasiness  to  the 
natives.  They  do  not  understand  it ; and  imagining  that  Ameri- 
cans move  by  the  same  principles  that  they  do,  that  is  to  say,  ani- 
mal motives,  they  conclude  that  “ Rice  be  done  lor  big  ’Merica.” 
and  hope  they  will  plant  more  next  year,  or  “ black  man  will  no 
have  place  for  set  down.” 

Owing  to  the  unfortunate  result  of  the  noble  and  benevolent  ex- 
periment at  Bassa  Cove,  the  emigrants  were  landed  at  this  place, 
to  wait,  as  we  suppose,  orders  from  home. 

The  Bassa  Cove  settlement  had  not  been  provided  with  the 
means  of  defence.  The  great  anxiety  expressed  by  the  native 
kings  to  have  a colony  planted  at  that  place,  and  their  solemn 
pledges  to  protect  it,  induced  the  Pennsylvania  Society  to  rely  on 
their  good  faith  ; and  when  the  colonists  complained  that  a hostile 
disposition  was  manifested  by  the  natives,  the  Agent,  Mr.  Han- 
kinson,  took  no  measures  of  precaution,  and  even  refused  the 
proff  jred  assistance  of  the  people  of  Edina,  who  tendered  their  ser- 
vices to  defend  the  colony.  On  the  same  night  the  natives, 
under  King  Jo  Harris,  and  his  brother,  King  Peter  Harris,  attack- 
ed the  colony,  murdered  twenty  of  the  defenceless  inhabitants,  and 
burnt  the  town.  The  Agent,  Mr.  Hankinson,  and  lady,  were 
saved  by  the  friendly  aid  of  a Kroo,  who  concealed  them  and  se- 
cured their  escape.  This  murderous  act  was  induced  by  a slave 
trader,  who,  on  coming  to  anchor  in  the  harbor,  discovered  that  a 
colony  of  Americans  had  been  planted  on  the  river,  and  refused 
to  land  his  goods,  alleging  that  the  colonists  would  interrupt  his 
trade.  King  Jo  Harris  finding  that  the  trade  in  slaves  was  likely  to 
be  thus  cut  off,  resolved  on  the  destruction  of  the  settlement.  Had 
the  colonists  been  armed  the  attack  would  not  probably  have  been 
made.  One  gun  owned  by  a colonist,  and  often  used  by  his  next 
neighbor,  (which  fact  had  been  noticed  by  some  of  the  natives.) 
saved  both  houses  unmolested,  and  the  families  uninjured.  The 
colonists  who  escaped,  were  carried  to  Monrovia,  and  their  wants 
provided  for.  The  Agent  at  Monrovia  took  immediate  measures 
to  chastise  the  people  who  had  committed  this  outrage.  After 
demanding  redress,  which  was  refused,  an  armed  force  was  march- 
ed against  the  aggressors,  who  were  routed  and  their  towns  de- 
stroyed. The  offending  kings  gladly  accepted  a peace,  agreeing 
to  abandon  the  slave  trade  forever,  and  to  permit  the  interior  na- 
tives to  pass  through  their  country  to  trade  with  the  colony,  and, 
also,  to  build  a number  of  houses  to  replace  those  destroyed,  and 
pay  for  or  return  the  property  carried  away.  As  soon  as  peace 
was  concluded,  the  Agent  of  the  American  Colonization  Society, 


62 


Dr.  Skinner,  proceeded  to  lay  out  a town  on  a site  which  he  de- 
scribed as  healthy  and  beautiful.  A part  of  the  town  plot  was 
cleared,  and  buildings  commenced  for  the  reception  of  the  dis- 
persed citizens. 

The  native  kings  in  the  neighborhood  of  Cape  Mount,  were  en- 
gaged in  a bloody  war,  carried  on  with  more  than  ordinary  fero- 
city ; and  King  Boatswain  was  at  war  with  several  of  the  more 
interior  nations,  who  had  leagued  together  to  resist  this  tyrant  and 
prince  of  slave-dealers.  Commissioners  were  sent  out  by  the  Co- 
lonial Agent,  to  negotiate  a peace.  They  were  well  received,  but 
unsuccessful  in  their  mission. 

A school  was  established  on  the  Junk  river  for  the  instruction 
of  the  natives,  by  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Titler,  (colored  people,)  under  the 
patronage  of  the  Western  Board  of  Foreign  Missions,  with  very 
encouraging  prospects  of  success.  The  head  men  provided  the 
missionaries  with  a house,  and  promised  a supply  of  rice  and  other 
necessary  provisions  for  the  pupils.  The  natives  placed  their 
girls  as  well  as  boys  under  the  missionaries  to  learn  “ white  man 
lash.” 

The  several  schools  in  the  colony,  supported  by  benevolent 
people  in  the  United  States,  were  prosperous.  But  had  the  colo- 
nists been  able  duly  to  appreciate  the  importance  of  public  schools, 
it  was  impossible  to  obtain  a sufficient  number  of  suitable  teachers 
from  among  themselves. 

For  a considerable  time  dissatisfaction  had  been  expressed  by 
some  of  the  colonists,  with  the  administration  of  the  Government, 
and  as  the  executive  power  was  vested  in  the  Colonial  Agent,  who 
was  often  changed,  and  much  of  the  time  when  in  discharge  of 
his  official  duties,  was  enfeebled  by  sickness,  no  doubt  some 
ground  for  dissatisfaction  existed.  It  was  equally  probable  that 
men,  having  so  recently  commenced  the  study  and  practice  of 
republicanism,  should  mistake  salutary  restraints  for  oppression, 
and  regard  as  tyrants  those  who  enforced  obedience  to  necessary 
laws.  Nor  was  it  an  easy  task  to  furnish  laws  suited  to  the  pecu- 
liar circumstances  of  the  colonists  ; and  when  defects  were  ascer- 
tained, much  time  necessarily  elapsed  before  the  evil  could  be 
remedied.  It  was,  however,  creditable  to  the  colonists  that  their 
real  or  supposed  grievances  gave  rise  to  no  violent  measures  for 
redress. 

This  year  the  fifth  Baptist  Church  in  the  colony  was  formed  at 
Caldwell,  and  the  first  annual  meeting  of  the  Liberia  Baptist  Asso- 
ciation held  at  Monrovia,  in  October,  which  was  a joyful  and 
profitable  season.  Quarterly  and  protracted  meetings  were  held 
this  fall  in  the  Methodist  Churches,  which  were  greatly  blessed  \ 
and  there  were  revivals  of  religion  in  nearly  all  the  settlements. 

1836. 

Most  of  the  settlers  had  returned  to  Bassa  Cove.  They  werf 


63 


greatly  assisted  in  establishing  themselves  by  Dr.  Skinner.  Soon 
after  his  return  from  that  settlement  he  had  the  pleasure  of  wel- 
coming Thomas  Buchanan,  Agent  of  the  New  York  and  Penn- 
sylvania Societies,  who  arrived  at  Monrovia  on  the  first  of  Janua- 
ry, with  abundant  supplies  for  the  relief  of  their  infant  colony. 
After  collecting  the  remaining  emigrants  from  Monrovia  and  the 
surrounding  settlements,  he  proceeded,  on  the  8th  instant,  to  Bassa 
Cove. 

A much  more  eligible  site  for  a town  was  now  selected  at  the 
mouth  of  the  St.  John’s,  about  three  miies  distant  from  that  on 
which  the  first  company  had  located.  By  the  activity  and  perse- 
verance of  the  Agent,  the  settlement  was  soon  put  in  a condition  to 
defy  attacks  from  the  natives.  The  settlers  were  placed  in  com- 
fortable houses,  and  busily  engaged  in  clearing  and  cultivating 
their  farms  ; public  buildings  were  erected,  the  necessary  officers 
appointed  to  administer  the  laws,  a church  built,  the  town  plot 
cleared,  and  the  native  kings  who  had  destroyed  the  settlement, 
compelled  to  fulfil  the  stipulations  of  their  treaty,  by  which  they 
were  bound  to  pay  for  property  destroyed  or  carried  away.  A 
profitable  trade  was  opened  with  the  natives  in  the  interior,  and  a 
valuable  accession  of  territory  acquired,  lying  around  the  bight  of 
the  Cove,  adjoining  the  former  purchase,  and  extending  along  the 
sea  coast  ten  or  twelve  miles.  The  acquisition  of  this  territory 
gave  the  colony  jurisdiction  over  the  only  place  accessible  to  the 
slavers  in  that  vicinity,  and  was  considered  very  important  as  the 
site  of  a sea  port  town. 

The  tract  of  land  near  the  mouth  of  the  Junk  river,  which  had 
been  bought  by  Mr.  Pinney,  and  the  title,  afterwards  disputed  by 
some  of  the  Junk  people,  was  this  year  secured  to  the  Society  by 
farther  negotiations,  on  terms  satisfactory  to  the  former  claimants. 
A town  of  more  than  a mile  square,  was  laid  off  in  three  hundred 
and  ninety-two  lots  during  the  spring,  and  a number  of  the  colo- 
nists and  recaptured  Africans  commenced  the  settlement  of  Mar- 
shall. This  place  was  beautifully  situated,  on  rising  ground,  be- 
tween the  Junk  and  Red  Junk  rivers,  and  fanned  by  fresh  breezes 
from  the  ocean. 

In  April,  the  brig  Luna,  from  Norfolk,  arrived  at  Monrovia, 
bringing  82  emigrants,  a majority  of  whom  were  young  men,  and 
several  preachers  of  the  gospel.  One  of  them,  the  Rev.  B.  R.  Wil- 
> son,  a missionary  of  the  Methodist  church,  had  spent  several  months 
in  the  colony,  and  returned  to  the  United  States  for  his  family. — 
This  company  of  emigrants  was  destined  for  the  new  settlement  at 
Marshall,  but  circumstances  detained  them  at  Monrovia  until  they 
had  taken  the  fever  of  the  country,  which,  in  several  cases,  proved 
fatal. 

In  July,  42  emigrants  arrived  in  the  schooner  Swift,  from  New 
Orleans.  The  character  of  this  company  was  equally  good  as 
that  of  the  preceding  arrival.  Most  of  them  were  industrious,  and 


64 


accustomed  to  work  on  plantations.  They  settled  immediately  at 
Millsburg. 

In  August,  the  brig  Lima,  from  New  York,  brought  84  emi- 
grants to  Bassa  Cove.  They  arrived  in  good  health  and  spirits, 
and,  being  principally  industrious  and  intelligent  farmers,  were  a 
valuable  acquisition  to  the  settlement. 

Dr.  Skinner  purchased  a small  tract  of  land  for  the  American 
Colonization  Society,  in  the  neighborhood  of  Edina,  on  the  margin 
ofthe  bay  which  forms  the  outlet  of  St.  John’s  river. 

At  the  request  of  the  Mississippi  Society,  he  also  purchased  a 
tract  of  land  from  the  natives,  on  the  river  Sinoe,  about  half  way 
between  Bassa  Cove  and  Cape  Palmas,  as  the  site  of  a settlement 
to  be  established  by  that  society,  and  appointed  D.  Johnson,  an 
intelligent  Monrovian,  to  prepare  for  the  accommodation  of  emi- 
grants. 

The  conflicting  claims  for  lots  and  farms,  which  grew  out  of 
hasty  and  imperfect  surveys,  frequent  changes  of  agents,  and  care- 
lessness in  keeping  records, had  become  a fruitful  source  of  difficul- 
ty. Notwithstanding  all  that  had  been  done  by  his  predecessor, 
Dr.  Skinner  had  much  labor  in  resurveying  lands,  and  making 
equitable  settlements  between  contending  parties.  Persevering  in 
his  labors,  after  his  exposure,  had  brought  on  repeated  attacks  of 
fever,  he  was  at  length  so  reduced  as  to  be  obliged  to  leave  the  colony 
and  return  to  the  United  States. 

On  his  departure,  the  administration  of  Government  devolved  on 
A.  D.  Williams,  the  Lieutenant  Governor.  This  title  and  that  of 
Governor  had,  by  order  of  the  Board,  superseded  those  of  agent 
and  vice  agent. 

The  revenue  arising  from  imports  this  year,  was  $3,500,  appli- 
cable to  colonial  improvements  and  payment  ofthe  salaries  of  cer- 
tain officers.  It  had  been  expended  in  a way  not  satisfactory  to 
the  Legislative  Council ; the  money  had  disappeared,  but  the  vouch- 
ers of  the  disbursing  officers  did  not  cover  the  amount  which  came 
into  their  hands.  The  editor  of  the  Herald,  after  noticing  the 
squabbles  in  the  United  States,  relative  to  the  “Sub-Treasury,”  re- 
marked that  “ their  treasury  was  all  sub.” 

But,  although  peculation  and  fraud  might  have  sometimes  been 
committed  by  the  receiving  or  disbursing  officers,  these  practices 
were  not  without  precedent  in  governments  farther  advanced  in 
political  science;  and,  however  imperfect  the  system  of  finance 
adopted  by  the  colonial  legislature,  the  general  adaptedness  of  their 
laws  to  the  condition  and  wants  ofthe  people,  would  not  suffer,  by 
comparison  with  the  colonial  legislation  of  the  United  States. — 
Their  laws  for  the  collection  of  debts,  enforcing  the  fulfilment  of 
contracts,  securing  persons  and  property,  prove  that  the  colonists 
are  not  incapable  of  self-government. 

The  first  murder  that  ever  occurred  in  the  colony,  was  commit- 
ted this  year.  A recaptured  African,  of  the  Congo  tribe,  named 
Joe  Waldburgh,  was  murdered  by  an  Ebo,  named  John  Demony, 


65 


at  the  instigation  of  Waldburgh’s  wife.  The  crime  was  marked 
by  the  most  aggravating  circumstances.  The  parties  were  tried, 
Governor  Skinner  presiding,  and  condemned  to  be  hung.  The 
execution  took  place  on  the  22d  of  July. 

The  wars  among  the  natives,  which  continued  with  little  in- 
terruption, subjected  the  colonists  to  great  inconvenience.  Natives, 
under  the  protection  of  the  colony,  were  sometimes  seized  and  sold 
to  the  slave  dealers,  by  whom  every  effort  was  made  to  set  the  na- 
tives against  the  colonists.  Scarcity  of  provisions  among  the  na- 
tives led  some  of  them  to  make  depredations  upon  the  plantations 
of  Millsburg  and  Caldwell.  Rice  was  scarce  and  dear  in  the  colo- 
ny, which  occasioned  much  suffering,  especially  among  the  poorer 
classes.  In  November,  some  of  the  paupers  were  placed  on  the 
public  farm,  where  they  could  be  employed  to  advantage,  with  the 
prospect  of  soon  being  fed  from  the  cassada  and  other  vegetables, 
several  acres  of  which  had  been  planted  for  their  use. 

The  Maryland  colony  at  Cape  Palmas  continued  to  prosper. 
From  the  commencement  of  this  settlement,  in  1833,  the  society 
had  sent  out  seven  expeditions,  containing  in  all  about  three  hun- 
dred emigrants.  The  village  of  Harper  contained  about  twenty- 
five  private  houses,  and  several  public  buildings  ; a public  farm  of 
ten  acres  had  been  cleared,  and  about  thirty  acres  put  under  cul- 
tivation by  the  colonists.  Their  influence  on  the  natives  was  sal- 
utary : schools  were  established  in  the  settlement,  and  the  people 
were  pronounced,  by  their  late  intelligent  Governor,  Dr.  Hall, 
moral,  industrious,  religious,  and  happy.  This  gentleman  had 
resigned  his  office,  and  J.  B-  Russwurm,  former  editor  of  the  Libe» 
ria  Herald,  was  appointed  to  that  station. 

The  mission  in  this  settlement,  established  by  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wil- 
son, was  most  successfully  conducted.  In  addition  to  the  mission- 
aries already  engaged  in  their  work,  the  brig  Niobe,  from  Balti- 
more, which  arrived  in  December  with  32  emigrants,  brought  out 
Thomas  Savage,  M.  D.,  missionary  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church,  Reverend  D.  White  and  Lady,  missionaries  of  the  Amer- 
ican Board  of  Commissioners  for  Foreign  Missions,  Mr.  James,  a 
colored  printer,  sent  out  by  the  same  Board  as  an  assistant  mission- 
ary, and  Mr.  David  James,  a colored  missionary  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church. 

The  blessings  flowing  from  Christian  ordinances  and  Christian 
communion,  continued  to  be  enjoyed  in  all  the  settlements.  The 
heathen  around  and  in  the  midst  of  them  were  not  neglected  by 
the  ministers  of  Christ,  and  the  zeal  of  the  missionaries  was  una- 
bated. The  Reverend  Mr.  Seys,  who  had  recently  returned  from 
a visit  to  the  United  States,  and  brought  with  him  one  white  and 
one  colored  Methodist  preacher,  wrote  under  date  of  December  21 : 
“ I preached  in  Krootown,  this  afternoon,  to  a congregation  of 
Kroomen.  I spoke  without  an  interpreter,  in  broken  English, 
compounded  of  the  most  common  terms  of  our  language,  and  many 
that  are  peculiar  to  the  African,  and  were  familiar  to  me  from  my 
5 


66 


infancy.  They  listened  to  us  with  deep  attention,  and  when  we 
went  to  prayer,  in  conclusion,  they  came  around  us,  and  not  con- 
tent to  kneel  simply,  they  bowed  down  their  faces  to  the  earth. 

“ Let  me  urge  it  upon  the  Church  to  have  pity  upon  this  intelli- 
gent and  teachable  tribe.  O send  us  a missionary  lor  Kroo  Settra . 
They  beg,  they  intreat  us  to  send  them  a teacher — a man  of  God. 
We  shall  make  an  additional  effort  to  plant  the  standard  of  the  Re- 
deemer among  the  Condoes.” 

The  following  will  show  the  kind  of  influence  which  the  colo- 
nists have  over  the  natives : 

Dr.  Hall,  Governor  of  the  Maryland  colony,  finding  the  subjects 
of  his  neighbor,  King  Freeman,  to  be  very  great  thieves,  and  being 
much  annoyed  by  their  continual  pilfering,  determined  to  make 
the  king  pay  for  the  articles  stolen  by  his  people.  The  King  com- 
plied for  sometime.  The  demands,  however,  became  so  frequent, 
that  he  at  length  objected.  The  Doctor  told  him  that  as  he  was 
king,  he  could  make  such  laws  as  he  pleased,  and  that  if  he  did 
not  make  laws  to  surrender  the  thieves  to  him  for  punishment,  he 
would  hold  him  responsible.  The  king  made  many  inquiries  of 
the  Doctor  in  relation  to  his  laws,  where  he  got  them,  the  manner 
of  executing  them,  &c.  On  being  informed  that  they  were  made 
by  the  Society’s  Board  at  Baltimore,  King  Freeman  resolved  to 
send  his  head  man,  Simleh  Balia,  to  Baltimore  to  get  him  a book 
of  laws.  Simleh  visited  Baltimore,  was  introduced  to  the  Board, 
and  delivered  the  following  speech  (as  nearly  as  it  could  be  writ- 
ten :) 

“ I be  Balia,  head-man  for  King  Freeman  of  Cape  Palmas.  Him 
send  me  this  country.  I come  for  peak  his  word.  Pose  him  sava 
book,  I no  come  ; he  make  book  and  send  him  ; but  cause  he  no 
sava  make  book,  1 come  for  look  country  and  peak  him  words. 

Long  time  past,  slave  man  come  we  country.  He  do  we  bad 
too  much,  he  make  slave,  he  tief  plenty  man  for  sell.  By  and  by 
all  slave  man  knock  off.  This  time  we  no  sell  slave,  no  man 
come  for  lief  him.  All  man  glad  this  palaver  done  sit.  Beside 
that  we  have  plenty  trouble.  All  man  have  to  go  for  ship  for  get 
him  ling,  iron,  cloth,  tobacco,  guns,  powder,  and  plenty,  plenty  lit- 
tle ting.  Some  time  canoe  capsize,  man  lose  all  him  money. 
Some  time  he  die,  plenty  water  kill  him  ; him  can’t  come  up.  This 
hurt  we  tco  much,  and  make  we  heart  sorry.  By  and  by  one  white 
man  come  we  country.  He  bring  plenty  black  American  man. 
Him  buy  we  country,  we  give  him  land  for  sit  down.  Him  say 
he  come  for  do  country  good.  Him  build  house — put  all  him 
money  shore — make  farm — make  road — make  all  country  fine. 
This  time  all  good  ting  live  shore — no  more  go  ship.  Ebery  man 
can  buy  that  ting  him  want.  No  money  lose — no  man  lose.  This 
make  all  men  heart  glad— made  king’s  heart  glad.  King  tell  me, 
‘Balia,  go  that  country:  see  how  this  ting  be.  Tell  them  people 
all  we  heart  say.  Thank  him  for  that  good  ting  them  do  for  we 
country.  Beg  him  for  send  more  man,  for  make  house,  make 


67 


iarm — for  bring  money,  and  for  make  all  ittle  childs  sava  read 
book,  all  same  America  men.  I done.’  ” 

The  Board  kindly  furnished  a simple  penal  code  in  language 
that  the  natives  could  understand.  On  reading  it  to  Simleh,  the 
clause  limiting  every  man  to  one  wile  alarmed  him,  and  he  ex- 
pressed his  disapprobation  in  the  following  language : 

“ < No  good  for  my  countryman.’  1 Why  not,  Simleh?’  1 Me  tell 
you . I got  four  wives.  Spose  I send  three  away,  and  keep  Bana — 
she  pretty — she  young — no  man  give  ’em  rice — no  man  take  care 
of  ’em — they  die — pickaninny  die  too — no  good  law  that?  There 
was  so  much  reason  in  his  objection,  that  an  immediate  repiy  was 
not  made  to  him,  and  after  a shot  pause,  he  went  on — * Me  tell  you. 
Spose  that  law  no  good  law  for  me — well — that  law  good  for  my 
son — he  pickaninny  now — got  no  wife — by-um-by  he  want  wile — 
I say,  King  Freeman  say  you  only  have  one  wife — so  all  men. 
When  I got  my  four  wives,  I no  saba  that  law.  When  my  son 
get  wife,  he  saba  law — he  do  what  law  say.  Yes,  that  good  law 
for  time  come.”  Simleh’s  idea  of  an  ex  post  facto  law  was  correct, 
and  he  was  instructed  to  explain  this  article  of  the  code  to  King 
) Freeman  as  prospective  only  in  its  operation. 

Alter  the  return  of  Simleh  to  King  Freeman,  the  laws  being 
adopted  and  found  to  be  popular  and  productive  of  the  happiest 
results,  the  King  applied  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Wilson  to  write  him 
a letter  of  thanks  to  the  Board  at  Baltimore,  as  follows  : 
u King  Freeman  to  the  gentlemen  of  the  Colonization  Board  of 
Baltimore — Naheveo,  (greeting  :) 

Mr.  Wilson  be  hand  for  me  and  Simleh  Balia  be  mout  for  me 
for  make  dis  book,  but  de  word  come  from  me  own  heart.  He  be 
true  I send  Balia  for  look  you — he  eye  be  all  same  me  eye,  and 
> dat  word  he  peak  be  ail  same  he  come  out  me  own  mout.  You 
do  Balia  good  when  he  lib  to  your  hand,  dat  be  all  same  you  do 
good  for  King  Freeman.  I tank  you  for  dat,  Balia  tell  me  you 
hab  fine  country,  I believe  what  he  say,  cause  he  no  fit  for  tell  lie. 
I tank  you  berry  much,  gentlemen,  for  demdash  you  send  me.  I 
like  um  plenty  and  go  keep  um  all  de  time.  But  I tank  you  berry 
much  for  dem  law  you  send  me — he  be  good  law  and  all  my  peo- 
ple go  do  him.  Pos’  I hab  dem  law  first  time  I no  go  do  fool  fasfi 
all  time — dis  time  1 go  make  all  me  people  do  dat  ting  what  you 
law  tell  me.  I tank  you  plenty  gentlemen,  for  dem  good  law.  I 
tell  all  man  go  hear  Misser  Wilson  talk  God  palaver,  and  yiserday 
so  much  man  go  till  plenty  hab  for  to  stand  outside  de  house. 

Soon  Balia  go  for  Merica  first  time  me  go  long  way  bush  and 
tell  all  man  say  he  must  make  fine  road  and  bring  plenty  trade 
for  Cape  Palmas.  Me  heart  tink  say  he  guin  do  him  soon. 

Me  hear  you  say  you  hab  plenty  slave  in  you  country.  Me 
hab  one  word  for  peak  dem.  You  must  come  me  country  den 
you  be  freeman  tor  true.  Dis  country  be  big  and  plenty  room  lib 
here.  Pos  you  come,  I peak  true,  me  heart  be  glad  plenty  for 
look  you. 


68 


’Pos  any  gentleman  want  come  me  want  him  for  come  too — 
me  heart  glad  for  see  dem  too  much. 

Me  word  be  done  now — I tank  you  berry  much  for  you  dash 
and  you  law.  I go  lub  you  till  me  dead.  Me  send" you  one 
country  chair  for  you  look  at.  Me  go  put  pickinniny  country 
word  for  you  see. 

A good  child  loves  his  father,  he  loves  his  mother. 

KING  FREEMAN,  alias  PA  NIMMAH.” 

1837. 

The  Ron  doubt,  from  Wilmington,  N.  C.  arrived  at  Monrovia 
on  the  4th  of  February  with  30  emigrants.  Dr.  D.  F.  Bacon, 
who  had  been  appointed  Colonial  physician,  came  out  in  this 
vessel,  and  immediately  entered  upon  his  professional  duties. 
The  following  is  extracted  from  his  communication  to  the  Board, 
dated  February  15 : 

“ l found  the  Colony  in  a peaceful,  prosperous,  and  healthy  con- 
dition. The  public  prosperity  and  general  comfort  have  been 
greatly  promoted  under  the  faithful  and  active  government  of 
Mr.  Williams,  whose  business-like  management  has  effected  a 
reform  in  affairs  that  has  given  me  a satisfaction  which  I know 
the  Board  and  all  the  friends  of  the  Colony  will  share  on  per- 
ceiving the  results  as  reported  by  him  officially.  In  my  own 
department  I have  found  much  that  required  active  attention  ; for 
although  there  is  not  a single  case  of  the  common  fever  in  the 
Colony,  (unless  at  Edina  from  which  1 have  not  yet  heard,)  there 
are  in  all  this  section,  besides  a few  light  cases  of  croup,  about 
fifteen  or  twenty  cases  of  chronic  disorders  resulting  from  debility, 
mostly  in  old  broken  down  constitutions,  which  have  been  long 
suffering  for  want  of  the  aid  of  a regular  physician  ; the  Colony 
having  been  left  entirely  to  the  medical  assistants  ever  since  the 
departure  of  Dr.  Skinner  in  September. 

The  people,  in  general,  I believe  to  be  remarkably  quiet,  inoffen- 
sive, and  peaceable,  more  so  than  in  any  part  of  the  United  States 
where  I have  lived.  Ever  since  I have  established  myself  on 
shore,  all  have  combined  to  treat  me  with  the  greatest  attention 
and  kindness  ; and  since  beginning  my  business  here  as  physician 
I have  met  with  nothing  but  the  most  polite  and  civil  usage.  My 
medical  assistants  in  this  quarter,  Messrs.  Prout,  Brown,  and 
Chase,  have  been  very  polite  and  attentive,  and  have  promptly 
pledged  themselves  to  become  active  and  serviceable  to  the  Colony’ 
under  my  directions.”  Dr.  McDowall  left  your  service  long 
since,  and  resides  wholly  at  Bassa  Cove.” 

The  Governor,  in  his  official  communication  of  the  same  date, 
wrote,  “ 1 am  happy  in  being  able  to  say  that  at  present  the  Colony 
is  peaceful  and  tranquil.  A growing  attention  still  continues  to 
be  paid  to  Agriculture ; indeed  the  whole  community  seems  to  be 


69 


awaking  to  the  subject.  No  former  period  of  the  Colony  can 
boast  of  as  great  an  extent  of  land  under  tillage  as  at  present. 

In  order  to  afford  some  encouragement  to  the  settlers  at  Junk, 
as  well  as  to  prevent  their  eating  the  bread  of  idleness  at  the 
expense  of  the  Society,  I have  established  a farm  there,  on  which 
they  will  work  a part  of  the  time  in  return  for  the  articles  with 
which  the  store  there  may  provide  them.  The  emigrants  by  the 
Swift  have  proved  themselves  an  industrious,  thrifty  people. 
They  have  already  raised  two  crops  of  culinary  vegetables  and 
other  produce.  The  farm  established  on  Bushrod  Island  is  doing 
remarkably  well,  and  will,  I think,  realize  my  former  hope  re- 
specting it.  All  the  paupers  that  require  constant  assistance  are 
now  on  the  farm,  and  those  able  to  labor  have  their  work  regularly 
asssigned  to  them.  You  will  be  astonished,  no  doubt,  when  I 
inform  you  that  the  former  fearful  number  of  mendicants  has 
dwindled,  since  the  commencement  of  this  system,  to  twenty, 
including  those  who  are  only  occasionally  beneficiaries. 

The  emigrants  by  the  Rondout  are  located  at  Millsburg,  and 
already  have  their  town  lots  assigned  them  ; they  will  have  their 
farms  in  a few  days.” 

In  May  an  Agricultural  Society  was  formed.  One  of  the  con- 
ditions of  membership  was  a subscription  of  five  hundred  dollars 
to  a joint  stock  fund  to  be  paid  in  quarterly  payments.  The  object 
of  this  Society  was  the  cultivation  of  the  sugar  cane,  and  the 
manufacture  of  sugar.  Stock  was  taken  by  the  most  wealthy 
and  enterprising  inhabitants,  and  the  investment  promised  to  be 
advantageous  both  to  the  stockholders  and  the  Colony. 

In  June  there  were  twenty  acres  of  the  public  farm  under  suc- 
cessful cultivation,  six  acres  of  which  were  in  sugar  cane.  The 
crops  on  the  public  farm  at  Junk  were  also  promising.  With  a 
view  to  encourage  agriculture  and  the  raising  of  stock,  twenty 
acres,  instead  of  five,  were  allotted  to  those  who  had  not  before 
drawn  farms,  on  condition  that  deeds  should  not  be  given  until 
five  acres  were  under  good  cultivation. 

There  were  450  acres  of  land  under  excellent  cultivation  in  the 
Colony,  exclusive  of  the  settlements  of  Edina  and  Bassa  Cove  ; 
at  both  of  which  places  they  were  applying  themselves  success- 
fully to  agriculture.  At  Bassa  Cove  there  were  ten  acres  of  rice 
in  one  field. 

O wing  to  the  wars,  which  for  the  last  two  years  had  raged  with 
little  intermission  along  the  coast,  the  natives  were  nearly  in  a 
state  of  starvation,  and  the  Caldwell  and  New  Georgia  people  had 
for  some  months  supplied  them  with  cassada,  which  was  almost 
the  only  article  of  provision  that  could  be  obtained.  Rice  was 
very  scarce. 

The  Mississippi  Society  fitted  out  a company  of  emigrants  for 
their  new  settlement  on  the  Sinoe,  which  sailed  in  the  Oriental 
from  New  Orleans  in  April,  under  the  care  of  J.  F.  C.  Finley. 
They  arrived  unexpectedly  at  Monrovia,  where  they  were  obliged 


70 


to  remain  some  time  before  proceeding  to  their  place  of  destina- 
tion. 

In  the  summer  the  brig  Baltimore  brought  55  emigrants  to  the 
Maryland  Colony.  A majority  of  these  were  emancipated  by  the 
will  of  Richard  Tubman,  Esq.,  of  Georgia,  on  condition  of  their 
emigrating  to  Liberia,  and  ten  thousand  dollars  bequeathed  to  the 
Colonization  Society  for  the  expenses  of  their  emigration  and  set- 
tlement. They  were  of  good  character,  and  experienced  cotton 
planters.  Many  of  them  were  acquainted  with  some  trade. 

The  Charlotte  Harper  arrived  on  the  4th  of  August,  at  Bassa 
Cove,  with  supplies  for  the  colony  to  the  amount  of  $10,000.  The 
passengers  in  this  vessel  were  the  Rev.  John  J.  Matthias,  who  had 
been  appointed  Governor  of  the  colony,  and  his  wife,  Dr.  Wesley 
Johnson,  assistant  physician  to  the  colony,  David  Thomas,  mill- 
wright, Misses  Annesley,  Beers,  and  Wilkins,  teachers,  and  Dr. 
S.  M.  E.  Goheen,  physician  to  the  Methodist  Mission,  at  Monro- 
via, and  four  colored  emigrants. 

The  thriving  settlement  of  Edina,  separated  by  the  St.  John’s 
River  from  that  of  Bassa  Cove,  was  this  year,  by  an  arrangement 
entered  into  between  the  American  Colonization  Society  and  the 
Pennsylvania  and  New  York  Society,’  transferred  to  the  latter 
Society,  the  people  of  Edina  consenting  thereto.  This  was  a fa- 
vorable arrangement  for  both  settlements,  as  it  united  their  strength 
and  identified  their  interest,  while  it  lessened  the  expense  of  their 
Government. 

Mrs.  Matthias  and  Miss  Annesley  both  died  in  a tew  months 
after  their  arrival  in  Africa,  and  within  two  or  three  days  of  each 
other.  These  pious  missionaries  were  intimately  attached  to  each 
other  in  America.  Together  they  consecrated  themselves  to  the 
cause  of  Africa,  and  together  were  called  from  the  field  which  they 
had  barely  been  permitted  to  enter  and  survey. 

Governor  Matthias  wrote  from  Bassa  Cove,  December  18, 1837  : 
“ There  is  not  a finer  climate  for  the  colored  man  in  the  world, 
nor  a soil  more  fertile.  It  is  now  summer.  The  thermometer  for 
a month  past  has  ranged  from  79  to  84,  and  the  season  will  con- 
tinue until  May,  during  which  period  the  thermometer  will  not 
rise  above  86. 

Although  the  u Watchman”  has  been  pleased  to  ridicule  our  or- 
ganization as  a republic,  nevertheless  we  are  a State  with  all  its 
machinery.  The  editor  would  be  induced  to  change  his  views, 
were  he  to  see  our  well  dressed  and  disciplined  troops,  and  their 
management  of  arms.  I should  venture  nothing  in  comparing 
them  with  the  militia  any  where  at  home. 

“Our  courts  of  justice,  of  sessions,  and  the  supreme  court,  the 
clerks  and  sheriffs,  with  the  prosecuting  attorney,  with  great  read- 
iness, perform  their  respective  duties. 

“ To  see  members  of  council  gravely  deliberating  on  matters  of 
interest  to  the  commonwealth  and  good  government,  together  with 
merchants  transacting  their  business  with  as  much  skill  and  pro- 


71 


priety  almost  as  at  Middletown,  is  truly  astonishing,  considering 
the  short  period  since  our  organization.  Our  chief  clerk,  for  ex- 
ample, one  of  the  children  taken  by  the  enemy  in  Ashmun’s  war, 
and  restored  after  a detention  of  some  months,  besides  writing  a 
beautiful  hand,  can,  in  a twinkling,  cast  up  any  account,  and  make 
his  calculations,  without  pen  or  pencil,  in  the  sale  of  articles,  with 
as  much  accuracy  as  any  of  your  merchants. 

“ I am  preparing,  if  well,  to  go  up  the  St.  John’s,  to  hold  a pa- 
laver with  six  or  eight  head  men  and  kings  for  the  purchase  of 
their  country.  A great  change  has  taken  place  among  them  ; 
they  seem  desirous  of  being  allied  to  us,  for  the  protection  of  them- 
selves against  each  other’s  aggression. 

“ December  25.  We  have  now  as  fine  a court-house  as  there 
is  in  Liberia.  Benson  has  finished  quite  an  elegant  house,  and 
others  are  laboring  not  only  to  stay  here  but  to  live.  The  gov- 
ernment house  is  nearly  finished.  We  have  laid  out  the  yard 
into  walks  and  grass  plots ; on  the  margin  of  the  walks  we  have 
planted  the  cotton  tree  and  papaw.  I have  just  returned  from 
partaking  of  an  agricultural  dinner,  not  given  by  us  of  the  gov- 
ernment, but  by  the  farmers.  We  had  mutton,  fish,  and  fowl, 
and  a superfluity  of  vegetables.  The  table  was  set  under  some 
palm  trees  in  Atlantic  street ; there  were,  I should  judge,  about 
fifty  persons  present.  You  need  be  under  no  apprehensions  but 
that  farming  will  go  on.  We  mean  to  plant  the  coffee  tree 
throughout  our  farm. 

“ We  have  bought,  as  you  have  been  apprized,  of  Yellow  Will,  a 
large  tract  of  beautiful  upland.  There  are  four  native  towns  on 
it.  King  Yellow  Will  is,  therefore,  considered  as  allied  to  us  by 
the  neighboring  head  men  and  kings,  who  appear  to  be  jealous  of 
the  honor,  and  determined  to  share  it.  They  have  sent  me  word 
that  they  would  sell  their  lands.” 

The  native  kings,  in  carrying  on  their  wars  in  the  vicinity  of 
the  settlements,  always  regard  the  territory  of  the  colony  as  neu- 
tral ground,  to  which  the  vanquished  flee  without  fear  of  pursuit. 
Even  slave-traders  have  surrendered  those  who  have  been  stolen 
from  off  the  territory  of  the  colony,  on  the  demand  of  the  colonial 
authorities — hence  the  desire  of  the  natives  to  sell  their  country 
to  the  colonists.  They  give  up  the  jurisdiction  of  the  country 
sold,  and  the  right  to  buy  and  sell  slaves,  or  engage  in  any  way 
in  the  slave-trade,  or  make  war  upon  their  neighbors.  In  return, 
the  right  to  occupy  their  towns  and  farms,  and  have  them  enlarged 
at  pleasure,  the  same  as  if  they  were  colonists,  is  secured  to  them ; 
they  are  no  longer  exposed  to  be  sold  as  slaves,  or  to  be  punished 
for  witchcraft,  and  other  imaginary  crimes.  Thus,  in  Liberia, 
colonization,  instead  of  destroying  gives  protection  to  the  natives, 
increases  their  comforts,  abolishes  the  barborous  rites  of  devil- 
worship,  by  which  multitudes  have  been  yearly  sacrificed,  and  is 
found  to  be  a sure  and  effectual  means  of  civilizing  those  brought 
under  its  influence. 


72 


The  ninth  expedition  to  Maryland  in  Liberia  sailed  from  Balti- 
more on  the  28th  of  November,  with  86  emigrants,  in  the  Niobe. 
In  the  same  vessel  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  sent  out  three 
missionaries,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Payne  and  wife,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Mi- 
nor, to  join  Mr.  Savage,  who  was  at  the  head  of  their  establish- 
ment at  Cape  Palmas.  The  emigrants  by  the  Niobe  were  ail  from 
Maryland,  and  nearly  all  of  them  persons  of  good  character,  who 
had  been  accustomed  to  labor,  and  left  America  under  the  convic- 
tion that  their  happiness  and  prosperity  in  Africa  were  only  to  be 
secured  by  persevering  industry,  and  not  expecting  exemption 
from  the  toils  incident  to  early  settlers  in  a new  country. 

It  had  been  the  wise  policy  of  the  Maryland  Society’s  Board,  to 
send  out  industrious  men,  and  by  keeping  general  native  trade  in 
the  hands  of  the  Society,  to  make  agriculture  the  main,  and,  in- 
deed, except  in  the  case  of  mechanics,  the  sole  occupation  of  the 
colonists.  The  system  of  barter,  which  had  been  the  chief  means 
of  inducing  and  cherishing  the  spirit  of  trade,  so  detrimental  to 
the  Monrovia  settlement,  and  which  was  necessarily  resorted  to 
in  the  Maryland  colony,  threatened  to  defeat  the  wishes  of  the 
Board  in  regard  to  native  trade,  by  obliging  each  colonist  to  keep 
on  hand  an  assortment  of  goods  to  exchange  for  the  articles  wanted 
from  the  natives  for  the  use  of  his  family.  It  was  at  first  proposed 
to  send  small  silver  coin  to  the  colony,  but  the  Board  became  sa- 
tisfied, by  the  information  they  received,  that  it  would  be  impossi- 
ble to  keep  a sufficient  quantity  of  silver  there  to  answer  any  use- 
fill  purpose,  as  it  would  soon  be  brought  off  by  trading  vessels 
stopping  at  the  Cape.  They  prepared  and  forwarded  certificates 
for  five,  ten,  twenty-five,  fifty,  and  one  hundred  cents,  receivable 
in  payment  for  goods  at  the  public  store.  To  make  these  intelli- 
gible to  the  natives,  there  were  represented  on  them  objects  to 
which  they  attached  the  value  represented  by  the  certificates — 
for  instance,  on  the  five  cent  certificate  a head  of  tobacco — on  the 
ten  cent,  a chicken — on  the  twenty-five  cent,  a duck — on  the  fifty 
cent,  two  ducks,  and  on  the  dollar  certificate,  a goat. 

The  Report  of  the  Liberia  Mission  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
church,  represented  this  as  a year  of  unparalleled  prosperity.  “The 
fervent  and  united  prayers,”  said  the  Report,  “ with  which  we  com- 
menced 1837,  have  not  been  in  vain.  The  thousands  of  pious 
hearts  among  the  Christians  of  America,  which  have  been  suppli- 
cating a throne  of  Divine  Grace  for  Africa,  have  not  been  pleading 
for  nought.” 

Seasons  of  revival  had  been  extensively  experienced  in  the  Co- 
lony, and  more  than  twenty  of  the  natives  had  been  converted. 
Some  of  these  were  living  in  the  families  of  the  colonists,  and  had 
been  trained  to  the  knowledge  of  the  Christian’s  God,  while  others 
were  “ right  out  of  the  bush.” 

At  Millsburg,  the  Methodist  church  had  increased,  this  year, 
from  eleven  to  sixty-three.  The  White  Plain  manual  labor  school, 
near  this  Settlement,  had  shared  in  the  blessings  of  converting 
grace. 


73 


One  of  the  native  boys,  at  this  school,  received  a visit  from  his 
father,  and  on  being  inquired  for  at  a certain  hour  of  the  day  to  go 
to  work  with  the  other  boys,  was  missing.  The  missionary  found 
him  in  one  of  the  upper  rooms  ot  the  school  house,  pleading  with 
his  father  to  “look  for  the  American’s  God,”  and  get  his  soul  con- 
verted to  Christ. 

The  number  of  church  members  within  the  bounds  of  this 
mission,  embracing  all  the  settlements  except  Marshall,  was  578. — 
The  number  of  children  in  the  schools,  under  its  care,  221  at- 
tending day  schools,  and  303  the  Sabbath  schools. 

One  of  the  colored  teachers  at  Monrovia,  (Mrs.  Moore,  formerly 
Eunice  Sharp,)  wrote  to  a lady  in  New  York,  “I  have  a gocdly 
number  of  pupils,  from  twenty  years  old  to  three,  but  not  ad- 
vanced in  learning  as  they  are  in  years.  I have  some  very  inte- 
resting little  girls,  I have  watched  them  from  the  alphabet  to  more 
interesting  things,  I have  seen  them  trying  to  point  out  the  differ- 
ent countries  on  the  map,  I have  heard  them  tell  me  the  nature  of 
a noun,  conjugate  a verb,  and  tell  how  many  times  one  number 
is  contained  in  another,  but  all  this  was  not  half  so  entertaining  to 
me,  as  when  I saw  them  crowding  to  the  altar  of  God.  Give  God 
the  glory,  O,  my  soul ! that  mine  eyes  have  seen  the  salvation  of 
God  upon  my  own  people.  I have  heard  the  wild  natives  of  Afri- 
ca testify  that  God  hath  power  on  earth  to  forgive  sin.  Rejoice 
then,  ye  daughters  of  benevolence  ! The  Judge  of  all  the  earth  is 
answering  your  prayers  in  behalf  of  poor  benighted  Africa.  Yes, 
though  they  have  laid  long  upon  the  altar,  he  has  smelled  a sweet 
savor,  and  it  appears  to  me  that  the  day  is  beginning  to  dawn,  and 
the  day  star  is  rising  on  this  dark  division  of  the  earth.  The  way 
is  opening  for  the  poor  native,  who  is  now  worshipping  devils,  to 
become  acquainted  with  the  worship  of  the  true  and  living  God.” 
The  Rev.  S.  Chase,  who  came  to  Liberia  in  1836,  with  a heart 
most  zealously  devoted  to  the  cause  of  missions,  and  who  promised 
to  be  extensively  useful  in  spreading  the  gospel  among  the  natives, 
was  obliged,  in  consequence  of  protracted  ill  health,  to  return  to  the 
United  States  in  the  summer  of  this  year. 

1838. 

From  the  Liberia  Herald , for  February. 
u Arrived  on  the  12th  ult.,  ship  Emperor,  with  96  emigrants 
from  Virginia,  of  which  60  were  emancipated  by  John  Smith,  Sr., 
Esq.,  of  Sussex  county.  These  people  have  all  been  bred  to  farm- 
ing, and  we  hope  they  will  prove  an  important  accession  to  the 
agricultural  interests  of  the  colony.  The  physicians  of  the  colony 
being  united  and  unequivocal  in  their  verdict  in  favor  of  the  su- 
perior healthfulness  of  the  inland  settlements  over  that  of  Monro- 
via, these  emigrants  have  all  been  placed  at  Caldwell  and  Mills- 
burg,  an  event  which  will  put  this  opinion  to  the  test.  Our  opin- 
ion is,  that  either  place  is  healthful.  There  is  no  earthly  occa- 


74 


sion  that  colored  people  should  die  in  establishing  themselves  in 
Africa.  Let  them  only  avoid  the  actual  and  obvious  causes  of  dis- 
ease, (which  is  neither  more  difficult  nor  more  necessary  to  be  done 
here  than  in  all  other  countries,)  and  they  may  live  their  threescore 
years  and  ten,  and  if  they  should  have  on  their  arrival,  good  cheer 
and  plenty,  they  may  even  attain  their  four  score  years.  There 
came  passengers  in  this  ship,  Rev.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Clark,  to  join  the 
Baptist  mission  at  Edina,  Rev.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Barton  and  mother, 
of  the  mission  of  the  M.  E.  church,  and  Dr.  Skinner  and  daugh- 
ter. This  latter  gentleman  has  the  medical  charge  of  the  colony.” 

It  was  a great  disappointment  to  the  Governor  not  to  receive 
a sugar  mill,  which  he  expected  by  this  vessel,  as  he  had  then  six 
acres  of  promising  thrifty  cane,  and  was  anxious  to  prove  the  prac- 
ticability of  cultivating  and  manufacturing  the  article,  and  there- 
by give  an  impulse  to  the  business,  but  the  cane  was  lost  for 
want  of  the  means  of  grinding. 

In  the  early  part  of  this  year,  the  BassaCove  settlement  received 
an  accession  of  72  emigrants,  who  came  in  the  barque  Marine, 
from  Wilmington.  N.  C. 

One  of  these  emigrants  was  Mr.  Lewis  Sheriden,  a distinguish- 
ed colored  man  from  North  Carolina.  On  visiting  Gov.  Mathias, 
and  examining  the  laws  for  the  government  of  the  colony,  he  ex- 
pressed much  dissatisfaction,  and  refused  to  take  the  oath  required 
of  those  who  became  citizens,  alledging  that  he  had  left  the  United 
States  on  account  of  oppression, u and  that  he  should  not  sub- 
ject himself  to  arbitrary  government  in  Africa,  and  such  he  deemed 
that  of  the  colony.  However,  after  spending  a few  weeks  in  ex- 
amining the  country,  and  failing  in  an  effort  to  induce  the  colo- 
nists to  petition  the  Board  for  an  amendment  of  the  constituton, 
he  resolved  on  locating  at  Bexley,  six  miles  from  Bassa  Cove.  As 
he  was  a man  of  wealth,  and  had  been  extensively  and  success-  v 
fully  engaged  in  business  in  Carolina,  the  rules  observed  in  the 
allotment  of  lands  to  emigrants  were  dispensed  with  in  his  case. — 

He  took  a long  lease  of  six  hundred  acres,  and  soon  had  in  his 
employ  a hundred  men.  Many  of  them  were  natives,  who  proved 
to  be  excellent  laborers. 

The  inland  and  elevated  situation  of  Bexley,  and  its  rich  soil, 
well  adapted  to  the  growth  of  sugar  cane  and  the  coffee  tree,  with 
euch  a man  as  Sheriden  to  excite  to  industry  those  around  him, 
by  his  own  example,  may  soon  make  it  one  of  the  most  important 
agricultural  settlements  in  Liberia. 

Some  of  the  Dey  people,  residing  on  the  Little  Bassa,  had  for- 
cibly taken  colonial  property  from  those  to  whom  its  transportation 
to  Edina,  had  been  entrusted.  On  satisfaction  being  demanded  for 
this  outrage,  the  Deys  readily  agreed  to  pay  for  the  property  taken, 
also,  to  pay  a debt  due  by  them,  to  the  colonial  agent,  and  to  secure 
the  payment  in  four  months,  pledged  a portion  of  their  lands, 
embracing  the  mouth  of  the  Little  Bassa.  The  time  of  payment 
having  expired,  a commissioner  was  appointed  to  remind  the  Deys 


75 


of  their  promise,  but  only  a renewal  of  it  was  obtained.  The  col  o- 
nization  agent,  acting  in  accordance  with  the  spirit  of  his  instruc- 
tions to  treat  the  natives  with  all  consistent  lenity,  pursued  pur- 
suasive  measures  to  induce  this  tribe  to  comply  with  their  engage- 
ments, for  eighteen  months  without  success,  when  he  sent  two 
commissioners,  accompanied  by  seventy-five  armed  men,  with  in- 
structions to  bring  the  business  to  a close  by  an  amicable  arrange- 
ment, if  possible,  but  if  no  satisfaction  could  be  obtained,  they 
were  to  take  possession  of  the  land  pledged.  The  Deys,  conscious 
of  their  own  duplicity,  and  fearful  of  being  chastised  for  the  rob- 
bery they  had  committed,  retired  from  the  coast ; and,  after  spend- 
ing eight  days  in  fruitless  efforts  to  bring  them  to  a palaver,  the 
colonists  took  possession  of  the  territory  pledged.  This  course 
was  deemed  necessary,  for  had  the  Deys  escaped  unpunished,  their 
robberies  would  have  become  of  frequent  occurrence  ; forbearance 
is  always  interpreted  by  the  natives  to  be  weakness. 

A man  by  the  name  of  Logan,  in  disregard  of  the  remonstrances 
of  his  friends,  settled  on  the  territory  of  the  natives,  north  of  the 
St.  Paul’s,  and  opened  a farm.  In  a fracas  with  some  Man  din  goes 
in  which  he  was  concerned,  one  of  them  was  killed.  Logan  was 
accused  of  the  deed,  arrested,  and  formally  tried  in  the  colony,  and 
acquitted  of  the  murder.  Having  returned  to  his  farm,  the  party 
to  which  the  murdered  man  belonged,  went,  a few  days  after,  to 
Logan’s  house,  under  pretext  of  trading ; not  suspecting  their  de- 
signs he  admitted  them.  As  soon  as  they  had  entered,  they 
seized  and  confined  him,  and  after  robbing  the  house  of  its  con- 
tents, set  it  on  fire,  which,  with  the  owner  was  consumed.  Of 
three  other  persons  in  the  house,  an  American,  a Gourah,  and  a 
Bassa,  the  latter  escaped,  and  the  other  two  were  taken  captive. 
The  Governor  demanded  of  the  Deys  the  surrender  of  the  mur- 
derers, and  satisfaction  for  the  property  destroyed.  This  demand 
was  made  in  conformity  with  a treaty  existing  between  the  parties. 
The  Deys  pleaded  ignorance  of  the  murder  and  robbery,  stating 
their  weakness  to  be  such,  that  they  were  forced  to  submit  to  see 
their  own  property  taken  and  carried  away  at  pleasure  by  the  Man- 
dingoes  and  Gourahs  ; and  although  they  admitted  their  obliga- 
tions to  protect  Americans,  and  their  property,  they  alleged  a want 
of  ability  to  do  so,  and  agreed  to  a proposal  to  relinquish  a part  of 
their  territory,  which  would  enable  the  colony  to  extend  their  ju- 
risdiction and  settlements  in  a direction  that  would  give  protection 
to  the  Dey  people.  Twenty-five  square  miles  on  the  St.  Paul’s 
was  transferred  to  the  colony.  The  Board  of  Managers  doubted 
the  justice  of  these  proceedings,  and  directed  a full  report  to  be 
made  of  all  the  circumstances,  in  the  case,  before  assenting  to  the 
possession. 

Some  of  the  evils  anticipated  by  many  of  the  friends  of  the 
American  Colonization  Society  in  the  establishment  of  separate 
settlements  in  Liberia,  independent  of  each  other,  and  under  dis- 
tinct governments,  began  to  be  realized.  In  reference  to  this  sub- 


76 


ject,  the  Lieutenant  Governor  in  a communication,  dated  May  8th, 

1838,  wrote  as  follows : “ I regret  to  say,  our  neighbors  of  Bassa 
Cove  and  Edina  seem  to  entertain  the  most  hostile  leelings  towards 
the  old  colony,  and  every  thing  connected  with  it.  They  have 
manifested  such  a disposition  as  will,  if  continued,  lead  to  serious 
difficulties  between  the  settlements.  The  policy  which  the  colo- 
nizationists  are  now  pursuing  is  assuredly  a bad  one,  and  will  in- 
evitably defeat  the  object  they  aim  to  accomplish.  Nothing  can 
be  conceived  more  destructive  to  the  general  good  than  separate 
and  conflicting  interests  among  the  different  colonies.  And  this 
consequence  will  certainly  follow  the  establishment  of  separate  and 
distinct  sovereignties  contiguous  to  each  other.  II  societies  must 
file  off,  and  have  separate  establishments,  their  very  existence  de- 
pends upon  their  union,  by  some  general  and  well-settled  relations. 

They  might  be  so  far  separate  as  to  have  peculiar  local  and  inter- 
nal regulations,  but  they  should  be  controlled  by  general  laws,  and 
general  supervision,  and  be  so  connected  as  to  move  on  to  one  ob- 
ject in  harmonious  operation.  The  editor  of  the  Liberia  Herald 
expressed  his  views  on  the  same  subject  in  the  following  article 
from  the  July  number  for  1836 : * 

“ The  formation  of  colonies  along  the  coast,  is  beyond  doubt,  the 
surest  way  of  breaking  up  the  slave  trade,  as  far  as  their  influence 
may  extend.  But  while  we  view  with  much  satisfaction,  the  suc- 
cess of  the  colonization  scheme,  and  the  formation  of  new  settle- 
ments, we  would  observe,  that  we  deem  it  highly  necessary  that 
the  several,  and  all  the  colonies  now  in  existence,  and  those  that 
may  hereafter  be  formed,  should  be  under  the  guidance  of  general 
laws  ; such  a connexion  would  promote  union,  without  which  they 
could  never  prosper.  Each  settlement,  independently  should  have 
its  own  laws  and  regulations  for  its  internal  government,  like  the 
several  States  of  the  Union  in  America.  And  like  them  should 
be  bound  and  cemented  together  by  one  general  government,  and 
by  one  common  interest.  Such  a union,  of  so  much  vital  impor- 
tance to  the  future  prosperity  and  peace  of  the  whole,  would  ele- 
vate the  character  of  the  Colonies  in  a degree  to  which  they  could 
not  otherwise  attain.  By  it,  moreover,  their  strength  would  be 
increased,  as  well  as  their  permanency,  according  to  a common 
but  true  saying,  “ united  we  stand  Instead  of  a few  isolated 
settlements,  often  at  variance  with  each  other  from  selfish  motives 
and  conflicting  interests,  they  would  then  present  to  the  view  of 
the  beholder  a number  of  small  settlements,  or  States  if  you  please, 
forming  a rising  Republic  in  Africa  of  one  people  and  of  one  lan- 
guage, after  the  model  of  the  great  Union  of  America.” 

On  the  9th  of  July  a company  of  emigrants  arrived  at  the  Mis- 
sissippi Colony,*  by  the  brig  Mail,  from  New  Orleans. 


♦ It  errors  are  found  in  the  brief  notices  given  of  the  Sinoe  and  Bassa  Cove 
settlements,  it  is  because  the  desired  information  in  relation  to  them  could  not  be 
obtained. 


77 


These  emigrants  were  well  provided  with  clothes,  tools,  and 
farming  utensils ; working  animals  were  purchased  for  them  at 
the  Cape  de  Verd  Islands,  and  with  great  cheerfulness  they  com- 
menced improving  their  farms,  which  were  already  laid  out.  An 
agent  had  been  employed  to  prepare  houses,  clear  land  and  plant 
vegetables,  so  that  the  emigrants,  on  their  arrival,  found  good 
quarters,  and  an  abundance  of  cassada,  rice,  and  potatoes.. 

Their  town,  Greenville,  is  on  the  Sinoe  river,  five  miles  from 
the  mouth,  and  about  two  miles  in  a direct  line  from  the  sea. 
This  settlement  is  deemed  as  healthy  as  any  part  of  the  State  of 
Mississippi,  and  the  land  as  rich. 

The  territory  purchased  by  the  Mississippi  Society  is  narrow  on 
the  ocean,  widening  as  it  runs  back,  and  contains  over  one  hun- 
dred square  miles. 

Of  the  37  emigrants  by  the  brig  Mail,  26  had  been  set  free  by 
Mr.  Anketell,  who  had  taken  much  pains  to  prepare  them  for 
freedom  and  usefulness. 

An  event  occurred  in  the  autumn  of  this  year  which  cast  a 
gloom  over  the  infant  but  prosperous  settlement  of  Greenville,  and, 
in  some  measure,  disturbed  the  peaceful  relations  existing  between 
the  colonists  and  natives. 

About  the  10th  of  September,  the  Governor  left  Greenville  for 
Monrovia  on  business  as  well  as  for  his  health.  On  his  way,  he 
attempted  to  visit  Bassa  Cove.  Landing  about  two  miles  below 
the  settlement,  he  was  robbed  and  murdered  by  the  natives.  The 
Governor  seems  to  have  placed  too  much  confidence  in  a native 
whom  he  had  with  him,  and  to  whom  he  had  exposed  the  fact 
of  his  having  a large  sum  of  money  about  him.  The  faithless- 
ness of  this  fellow  in  disclosing  the  circumstance  of  the  money, 
no  doubt  occasioned  the  murder. 

This  outrage  led  to  a war  between  the  natives  and  the  settlers 
of  Bassa  Cove,  who  had  one  or  two  of  their  people  killed,  several 
Wounded,  and  some  of  their  horses  destroyed. 

Previous  to  the  news  of  this  out-break,  the  most  cheering  intel- 
ligence had  been  received  from  the  Bassa  Cove  settlement,  of  their 
health,  their  temporal  and  spiritual  prosperity.  Accounts  from 
all  the  colonies  were  generally  encouragaging,  though  the  Mon- 
rovia settlements  were  in  want  of  adequate  funds  to  carry  forward 
their  contemplated  improvements,  having  for  some  time  received 
but  little  pecuniary  aid  from  the  Society. 

An  official  communication  from  Lieutenant  Governor  Williams, 
dated  July  31,  contained  the  following : “ The  interest  manifested 
on  the  subject  ol  agriculture  is  daily  increasing,  and  the  prospect 
brightening.  All  here  feel  the  necessity  of  raising  such  articles 
of  food  as  are  required  for  our  own  wants,  and  in  such  quantities 
as  to  supply  those  wants.  The  greatest  and  only  difficulty  is  to 
believe  that,  with  the  most  abundant  supply  of  African  produce, 
the  articles  to  which  we  were  accustomed  in  America  are  not  in- 
dispensable to  our  existence. 


78 


“ The  country  is  comparatively  quiet;  how  long  it  will  remain 
so  cannot  be  conjectured.  The  elements  of  war  and  discord  are 
always  existent  in  African  society. 

“Your  suggestions  in  regard  to  the  propriety  of  altering  and 
amending  the  constitution,  I have  thought  best  to  submit  to  the 
consideration  of  the  people  at  large.  For  this  purpose  I called  a 
meeting  in  each  settlement,  in  order  to  ascertain  the  public  senti- 
ment. The  suggestion  was  immediately  acted  upon,  and  a com- 
mittee of  ten  persons  was  appointed,  who  now  have  the  subject 
under  consideration.  These  persons  are  authorized  to  suggest 
such  alterations  and  amendments,  to  any  extent,  as  they  may  think 
adapted  to  our  present  state,  and  submit  them  to  the  Board. 

“We  are  again  destitute  of  stationery,  and  are  very  much  in 
want  of  animals  for  draught  work  on  farms.” 

It  is  much  to  be  regretted  that  suitable  working  animals,  with 
wagons,  carts,  ploughs,  and  drags,  had  not  been  early  introduced 
into  the  colony.  With  these,  agriculture  would  have  advanced 
rapidly,  and  buildings  would  have  been  erected  with  comparative 
ease.  To  substitute  the  hoe  for  the  plough,  in  agriculture,  and 
manual  labor  for  teams,  in  conveying  building  timber  from  the  * 
forest,  and  stone  from  the  quarry,  was  tedious,  expensive,  and  dis- 
couraging. That  so  much  has  been  accomplished  under  such 
privations  and  disadvantages,  excites  our  wonder. 

Had  the  colonists  been  enabled,  in  1825,  to  use  the  plough  and 
drag  in  cultivation,  they  could,  for  the  last  ten  years,  have  fur- 
nished provisions  for  all  the  emigrants  as  they  arrived. 

Dr.  Taylor  wrote  from  Millsburg  in  August : “ With  regard  to 
the  last  emigration,  it  must  be  said  they  have  done  wonderfully 
well.  They  are  all  at  work  with  very  few  exceptions.  I hope 
and  pray  that  the  Society  may  soon  raise  her  head  ; that  her  cof-  v 
fers  may  be  filled  to  overflowing.  I think  that  if  the  bitter  oppo- 
nents  of  the  Colonization  scheme,  would  only  come  to  Millsburg 
and  look  at  the  prospect,  and  see  that  all  that  is  wanting  to  make 
this  a splendid  place,  and  the  people  independent,  is  means,  they 
could  but  say,  I will  give  my  support  to  this  enterprise  ; though 
I advocate  the  elevation  of  the  man  of  color  in  America,  I am 
now  convinced  that  this  is  the  place  where  he  can  enjoy  real  free- 
dom.” 

The  Rev.  B.  R.  Wilson,  who  was  engaged  in  the  manual  labor 
school  at  Millsburg,  and,  at  the  same  time,  was  pastor  of  a church 
in  that  place,  consisting  at  first  of  but  nine  members,  wrote  as  fol- 
lows : “ We  have  now  a well  organized  church  of  about  seventy 

members,  and  a fine  school  of  native  boys  and  girls,  some  of  whom 
begin  to  read,  and  several  profess  to  have  religion,  and  have  joined 
the  church.  I am  more  and  more  pleased  with  Africa.” 

A colonist  wrote  from  Edina,  to  his  former  master,  “ You  wish 
to  know  my  situation,  and  how  I like  this  part  of  the  world.  I am 
doing  well,  I have  two  good  houses  and  three  lots,  also,  forty  acreg 
of  land,  ten  of  which  are  in  culture — coffee,  cotton,  cassada,  plan- 


79 


tains,  bannana,  beans,  rice,  yams,  papaws,  and  melons — these  grow 
all  the  year  here.  One  acre  of  land  is  worth  two  in  the  United 
States.  In  a word,  sir,  no  man  can  starve  that  will  work  one  third 
of  his  time.  It  is  a beautiful  country  indeed.  I would  not  return 
to  the  States  again,  to  live,  on  any  consideration  whatever,  even  if 
slavery  was  removed.  But,  sir,  we  are  freemen  here,  and  enjoy 
the  rights  of  men.  What  shall  I say  about  want  ? Why,  some* 
times  we  want  sugar  and  tea,  also,  butter  and  meat.  But  time  will 
remove  all  this.  I have  plenty  of  milk  and  make  butter,  but  there 
are  a great  many  who  have  not  cows  and  goats  in  abundance. 

You  would  do  well  to  send  out  some  brandy  to  preserve  such 
things  as  snakes,  scorpions  and  other  things,  as  spirits  are  prohibit- 
ed here,  and  hardly  used  among  us,  and  cannot  be  bought  for 
money. 

I have  the  satisfaction  to  inform  you  that  this  is  a flourishing 
settlement  indeed.  The  people  thrive.  All  my  children  are  well, 
and  my  wife  has  good  health.  The  children  are  good  English 
scholars,  and  James  is  studying  medicine  with  Dr.  Johnson.” 

A lyceum  was  formed  in  Monrovia  for  the  diffusion  ofknowledge 
throughout  the  colony.  A committee  was  appointed  to  collect 
specimens  of  natural  and  artificial  curiosities.  Two  of  each  kind 
were  to  be  forwarded  to  some  scientific  body  in  America  or  else- 
where, one  retained,  the  other  described,  labelled  and  returned,  at 
the  expense  of  the  lyceum.  The  president  and  corresponding  secre- 
tary were  to  communicate  with  similar  associations  in  the  IJnited 
States  and  elsewhere,  and  invite  their  aid  and  co-operation  in  ad- 
vice, book,  specimens,  and  whatever  else  may  contribute  to  the  ob- 
ject of  their  association. 

It  was  stated  in  the  Liberia  Herald  of  the  next  month,  that  since 
the  formation  of  the  lyceum,  some  few  collections  of  shells,  rocks, 
minerals  and  plants  had  been  made,  that  arrangements  were  on 
foot  for  a commodious  room,  in  which  the  specimens  could  be  kept 
and  displayed  to  advantage.  The  question  for  the  next  debate 
was,  “ Whether  it  was  good  policy  to  admit  indiscriminately,  per* 
sons  of  all  nations  and  color  to  become  citizens  of  Liberia'/” 

Since  the  foundation  of  the  Maryland  colony,  it  has  been  the 
object  of  the  Board,  to  send  regularly,  a spring  and  fall  expedition. 
The  spring  expedition  brought  out  36  emigrants  by  the  Colum- 
bia,  of  Baltimore,  and  the  fall  expedition,  53  emigrants  by  the 
Oberon,  with  Dr.  McDowell  and  Dr.  S.  F.  McGill.  Dr.  McDowell 
had  practised  medicine  several  years  in  Liberia.  Dr.  McGill,  who 
is  a colored  man,  had  resided  there  from  his  childhood,  with  the 
exception  of  the  last  three  years,  spent  in  acquiring  a medical  edu- 
cation at  Dartmouth  college,  New  Hampshire,  where  he  received 
his  diploma.  He  brought  with  him  an  excellent  medical  library, 
and  it  was  expected  that  by  practising  with  Dr.  McDowell,  he 
would  become  qualified  to  succeed  that  gentleman  as  colonial  phy- 
sician, at  the  expiration  of  the  year  for  which  the  Board  had  en- 
gaged his  services. 


80 


Dr.  McGill  was  instructed  to  select  one  or  more  young  men  of 
suitable  capacity,  and  commence  instructing  them  in  medicine, 
with  a view  of  having  them  sent  to  the  United  States  to  attend  the 
necessary  lectures.  In  this  way,  it  was  hoped  that  permament  medi- 
cal skill  could  be  secured  in  the  colony. 

It  was  evident  that  nothing  was  wanting  but  care  during  the 
first  few  months  of  their  residence,  to  make  this  as  healthy  to  the 
colored  people  as  any  place  from  which  they  emigrate. 

The  paper  currency  was  found  to  answer  fully  the  purpose 
intended,  and  it  was  with  none  more  popular  than  with  the  natives 
themselves.  While  the  system  of  barter  was  in  vogue,  a native 
scarcely  ever  sold  an  article  to  a colonist,  and  received  merchan- 
dise in  exchange,  without  being  obliged  to  divide  a portion  of 
it  among  such  friends  as  happened  to  be  present  when  the  bargain 
was  struck,  but  when  he  was  paid  a piece  of  paper,  this  partner- 
ship of  profits  could  not  take  place.  This  was  perfectly  under- 
stood by  the  natives,  and  hence  the  popularity  with  them  of  the 
paper  currency. 

Governor  Kusswurm  wrote  to  the  Board : “ The  direct  tendency 
of  the  currency  is  to  draw  all  business  to  the  Society’s  store,  and  to 
induce  the  colonists  to  put  by  a part,  instead  of  taking  up,  as  for- 
merly, every  cent  of  their  earnings.  I think  our  next  step  will 
be  a Savings  bank,  or  a Benefit  society,  for  mutual  relief  in  cases 
of  sickness.” 

Of  the  new  code  of  laws  which  had  been  prepared  with  great 
care,  the  Governor  wrote : “ We  are  all  much  pleased  with  the 
new  code  of  laws.  The  powers  of  the  judges  are  well  defined, 
and  will  save,  among  an  ignorant  community,  much  contention. 
I have  not  heard  even  a murmur  against  the  code,  though  it  strikes 
at  the  root  of  many  preconceived  opinions.” 

Ha  added : “ The  people  are  civil  and  orderly.  No  properly 
established  law  of  the  colony  has  ever  met  with  open  opposition ; 
no  violence  has  ever  been  threatened  to  the  lawful  authorities.  No 
instance  of  riot  or  general  uncontrollable  excitement  has  occurred, 
and  no  instance  of  open  quarrelling  or  fistiuffs,  has  come  to  my 
knowledge,  directly  or  indirectly,  since  the  first  establishment  of 
the  colony.” 


In  tracing  the  progress  of  the  Liberia  colonies,  the  history  of 
each  successive  year,  has  increased  our  conviction  of  the  benefits 
and  practicability  of  colonization.  That  a people  just  freed  from 
slavery,  unused  to  provide  for  their  most  common  wants,  unpre- 
pared by  education  and  expsrience  for  self-government,  unskilled 
in  projecting  or  executing  any  enterprise  which  required  patient 
perseverance,  suffering  and  privation,  placed  on  a distant  shore, 
among  a barberous  and  hostile  people,  who  sought  their  destruc- 
tion, subjected  to  an  acclimating  sickness  as  debilitating  as  the  fe- 


81 


vers  of  our  western  rivers  are  to  the  eastern  emigrant — that  they 
should  have  continued  through  all  these  embarrassments,  steadily 
to  improve  their  moral  and  physical  condition,  and  not  only  sup- 
ported the  government,  but  ably  conducted  its  administration, filling 
all  the  various  offices,  legislative,  executive,  judicial,  ministerial 
and  military,  supporting  schools,  erecting  churches — indeed,  over- 
coming every  difficulty,  and  becoming  an  elevated,  moral,  tempe- 
rate and  religious  people,  firmly  established,  and  furnishing  an  in- 
viting home  to  the  colored  man — not  only  excites  our  admiration, 
but  constrains  us  to  believe  that  the  hand  of  the  Lord  is  in  this 
work,  and  that  Africa  is  to  be  redeemed  by  Colonization. 

Noth. — The  history  thus  abruptly  closed,  would  have  been  brought  down  to  a 
later  date,  had  intelligence,  long  expected  from  Liberia,  been  received. 


LIBERIA. 

Territory , Soil,  Productions . and  Settlements. 

Liberia  embraces  that  portion  of  the  western  coast  of  Africa  which  reaches 
from  Cape  Mount  to  Cape  Palmas,  a distance  of  three  hundred  miles,  and  ex- 
tends inland  from  20  to  50  miles.  Not  that  the  Colonization  Societies  have  any 
claim  by  purchase  to  the  whole  of  that  territory,  or  exercise  any  immediate  juris- 
diction overall  its  numerous  tribes;  but  merely  claim,  by  treaty  with  the  natives, 
that  no  other  nation  shall  purchase  territory  within  their  iimits  without  the  consent 
of  the  Society. 

Liberia  furnishes  a variety  of  soil.  On  the  coast  it  is  generally  sandy  and 
light.  Receding  from  the  coast,  the  country  is  rolling,  sometimes  hilly.  The 
soil  is  rich,  producing  good  crops,  even  under  the  imperfect  culture  of  the  natives. 
The  bottom  lands  are  similar  to  those  on  the  southern  rivers  of  the  United  States. 
The  country  between  the  ocean  and  the  first  mountain  range  is  well  watered, 
having  many  fine  running  brooks  in  the  dryest  season.  Both  the  bottoms  and 
uplands  are  generally  covered  with  a heavy  growth  of  timber,  such  as  teak  for 
ship  building,  mahogany,  sulpher,  and  other  woods  for  furniture,  and  various  va- 
luable dye-woods,  particularly  the  camwood,  which  composes  the  entire  growth 
of  forests  of  many  miles  in  extent,  lying  from  30  to  50  miles  from  the  coast. 

Tne  great  staple  of  agriculture  is  rice.  It  is  generally  sown  on  the  uplands  at 
the  conmmence  nent  of  the  rainy  season,  and  great  crops  are  obtained  under  slight 
cultivation.  Probably  in  no  country  can  rice  be  raised  cheaper  than  in  Africa, 
and  as  soon  as  agriculture  is  improved,  it  must  become  a great  article  of  export. 

Sugar  cane  and  cotton  are  indigenous  to  the  country,  and  nothing  but  cultiva- 
tion is  required  to  grow  them  in  the  greatest  perfection. 

The  Monrovia  settlements  comprise  the  towns  of  Monrovia,  New  Georgia,  Cald- 
well, Millsb'irg,  and  Marshall.  Farther  south  50  miles  is  the  Bassa  Cove  settle- 
ments on  the  St.  John’s  river,  including  Bassa  Cove,  Edina,  and  Bexley.  About 
103  miles  still  farther  south,  near  the  mouth  of  the  river  Since,  is  the  recent  set- 
tlement of  Greenville.  At  Cape  Palmas,  280  miles  from  Monrovia,  is  the  flour- 
ishing settlement  of  Miryland  in  Liberia. 

Cape  Montserado , the  site  of  Monrovia,  has  always  been  an  important  point  on 
the  west  coast  of  Africa,  being  easily  recognised,  and  affording  supplies  of  wood, 
water,  and  provLions  to  shipping.  It  is  a bold  rocky  headland,  in  latitude  6 de- 
grees, 29  minutes  north,  and  in  longitude  10  degrees  50  minutes  west,  covered 
before  its  occupancy  with  a dense  forest  growth,  almost  impenetrable  from  vines 
and  brushwood.  Its  most  elevated  point  nearly  overhangs  the  sea,  and  is  about 
150  feet  above  its  level.  Monrovia,  occupies  a plane  about  80  feet  lower,  on  the 
southwest  side  of  the  Montserado  river.  The  population  of  Monrovia,  including 
native  residents,  is  stated  at  1500.  A considerable  number  of  its  early  inhabi- 
tants have  gone  as  pioneers  to  the  other  settlements,  which  have  derived  some  of 
their  best  settlers  from  the  acclimated  citizens  of  the  parent  colony. 


82 


Most  of  the  houses  are  frame,  many  with  stone  basements.  There  are  ten  or 
twelve  two-story  stone  dwelling  houses;  several  large  warehouses  and  wharves, 
besides  three  large  churches,  two  school-houses,  a court-house  and  jail,  are  also 
built  of  stone,  either  granate  or  red  sand  stone,  both  of  which  are  abundant  and 
easily  quarried.  One  of  the  school-houses  was  built  at  the  expense  of  the  Ladies' 
Liberia  Education  Society  of  Richmond,  the  other  by  the  Methodist  mission. 

The  town  covers  three  square  miles ; the  streets  are  laid  off  at  right  angles  and 
are  wide;  the  principal  one,  Broadway,  being  a hundred  feet.  The  blocks  con- 
sist of  four  lots  of  a quarter  of  an  acre  each.  Most  of  the  gardens  in  Monrovia 
are  abundantly  supplied  with  fruit  trees  which,  in  many  instances,  are  enclosed 
by  a white  fence,  while  through  their  deep  green  foliage  are  seen  the  white 
painted  houses  of  the  citizens. 

New  Georgia , the  settlement  of  recaptured  Africans,  is  four  miles  from  Mon- 
rovia. The  streets  are  kept  smooth  and  clean  ; the  lots  are  fenced  in  with  wild 
plum,  and  croton  oil  bush.  The  people  seem  contented  and  happy,  attend  church 
regularly,  and  are  anxious  to  have  their  children  educated.  Magistrates  and 
constables  are  annually  appointed  from  among  themselves,  the  dignity  of  which 
offices  they  prize  much,  and  execute  their  duties  faithfully,  as  far  as  they  are  able. 
During  elections  of  officers,  they  may  be  seen  attending  the  polls  with  all  the 
bustle  and  activity  of  warm  politicians.  There  are  two  churches  in  this  settle- 
ment, and  two  schools;  one  under  the  care  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  mission, 
the  other  supported  by  the  Ladies'  Society,  in  Philadelphia. 

Caldwell  is  situated  on  the  south  bank  of  the  St.  Paul’s  river,  (which  is  here 
about  a mile  in  width,)  and  extends  4 miles  along  its  banks  and  on  the  Stockton 
creek.  The  lots  are  laid  off  similarly  to  those  of  Monrovia.  The  farms  are 
placed  around  the  outskirts  of  the  town.  It  has  two  churches,  and  two  schools; 
the  latter  under  the  same  patronage  as  those  in  New  Georgia. 

Two  large  receptacles  for  emigrants  are  here  erected  by  the  Society.  The 
inhabitants  are  chiefly  engaged  in  farming  ; and  their  comfort  and  independence 
are  in  proportion  to  their  agricultural  industry.  Many  are  poor,  raising  only 
vegetables  enough  for  their  support;  others  are  surrounded  with  abundance. 

Millsburg,  an  agricultural  settlement  twelve  miles  higher  up  the  St.  Paul’s,  is 
a delightful  residence.  Besides  the  more  common  and  necessary  vegetables,  of 
which  they  raise  an  abundance,  there  is,  on  several  plantations,  a large  number 
of  coffee  trees,  and  the  sugar  cane  growing  thriftily.  This  place  is  esteemed  so 
healthly  that  newly  arrived  emigrants,  instead  of  being  placed  in  receptacles  for 
acclimation,  are  immediately  settled  on  their  farms,  which  run  back  from  the 
river  in  strips  of  ten  acres  by  one.  Here  is  a manual  labor  school,  besides  other 
schools,  and  two  churches. 

Marshall , situated  near  the  mouth  of  the  Junk  river,  is  a new  settlement  com- 
posed of  recaptured  Africans  and  some  other  emigrants.  Their  employment  is 
farming,  making  lime  from  oyster  shells,  and  trading  with  the  natives.  They 
have  already  a church  built,  and  a school  established. 

Edina  is  on  the  north  side  of  the  St.  John’s  river,  near  its  entrance  into  the  sea. 
It  has  two  churches,  two  schools  for  colonists  supported  by  the  Ladies’  Society  of 
Philadelphia,  and  a school  for  native  boys  chiefly,  under  the  care  of  the  Baptist 
mission,  whose  principal  station  is  at  Edina.  The  Baptists  have  here  erected  a 
house  of  worship  under  a large  tree,  beneath  which  human  sacrifices  were  once 
offered  to  the  devil.  The  state  of  society  is  good,  and  the  inhabitants  are  all  anx- 
ious to  have  their  children  educated. 

Bassa  Gove  is  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river  from  Edina,  about  a mile  distant. 
The  people  apply  themselves  industriously  to  agriculture,  are  temperate  and 
prosperous.  They  have  a Baptist,  a Methodist,  and  a Presbyterian  church.  A 
Sunday  school  is  connected  with  each,  embracing,  besides  the  children  of  the 
colonists,  several  natives.  A day  school  is  supported  by  the  Ladies’ Society  of 
Philadelphia.  A lyceum  was  established  here  by  Mr.  Buchanan  for  the  mutual 
improvement  of  the  young  men  of  the  village.  This  settlement  has  a court-house 
and  jail. 

Cape  Palmas  is  one  of  the  most  prominent  headlands  on  the  western  coast  of 
Africa.  The  settlement  of  Maryland  in  Liberia •,  which  is  established  here,  ex- 
tends about  four  miles  inland.  The  principal  village  is  Harper. 

The  Presbyterian  mission,  under  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wilson,  has  been  established 
some  years,  and  great  good  has  resulted  from  their  persevering  and  devoted  la- 
bors. Mr.  Wilson  has  two  schools  under  his  care,  with  three  colored  assistants, 
one  at  Brock  Town  and  one  at  Cavally,  besides  that  at  his  own  residence.  Two 
churches  are  built,  and  exercises  are  performed  regularly  at  Mount  Vaughan,  the 


83 


residence  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Missionary.  There  are  three  other  schools 
in  the  town  for  the  colonists ; one  of  the  school  houses  has  been  built,  at  the  ex- 
pense of  the  Ladies’  Liberian  Education  Society  of  Baltimore,  for  a very  compe- 
tent colored  preacher  and  his  wile. 

A very  fine  road  has  been  made  for  nine  miles  inland,  and  it  is  intended  to  be 
carried  to  Deh-neh,  the  Episcopal  mission  station  in  the  interior,  about  60  miles. 
A law  was  passed  by  Mr.  llusswurm,  that  eighteen  months  after  the  passing  of 
the  act,  no  officer  should  hold  a commission  who  could  not  read  and  write.  The 
consequence  of  which, is  that  those  now  in  office  not  possessed  of  the  necessary 
qualifications,  are  studying  hard  to  acquire  them. 

It  is  estimated  that  the  various  settlements  contain  a population  of  more  than 
5,000.  There  are  18  churches  in  Liberia.  Of  these,  eight  are  Baptist,  six  Me- 
thodist, three  Presbyterian,  and  one  Episcopalian.  As  there  are  40  clergymen  in 
the  colonies,  all  the  churches  are  not  only  regularly  supplied  with  preaching,  but 
religious  meetings  are  held  weekly  in  many  of  the  native  villages. 

The  general  tone  of  society  is  religious;  the  state  of  morals  good.  Sabbath 
breaking,  drunkenness,  profanity,  and  quarrelling  are  very  rare  in  Liberia.  There 
are  ten  weekly  day-schools  in  all  the  settlements,  supported  generally  by  educa- 
tion and  missionary  societies  in  the  United  States.  The  teachers,  in  most  cases, 
are  colored  persons.  A laudable  desire  for  knowledge  pervades  the  community. 
They  desire  to  have  an  academic  institution  in  the  colony,  but  do  not  feel  them- 
selves able  to  establish  one  without  aid. 

There  are  at  present  ab  ut  30  white  persons  connected  with  the  various  rnis- 
< sionary  and  education  societies,  or  attached  to  the  colonies  as  physicians. 


TRADE  AND  COMMERCE. 

Liberia  is  well  situated  for  carrying  on  a large  trade  with  the  interior  of  Af- 
rica. The  colonists,  with  very  tew  exceptions,  were,  on  their  arrival,  destitute  of 
property,  having  but  a scanty  supply  of  the  commonest  articles  for  household  use 
and  agricultural  purposes.  Many  of  them,  although  thus  destitute  of  capital,  en- 
gaged in  trade  with  a very  limited  credit,  and  have  continued  their  barter  with 
the  natives  until  they  have  become  independent.  For  several  years  they  have 
been  prosecuting  a profitable  coasting  trade,  in  which  is  employed  about 
twenty  vessels,  of  from  five  to  forty  tons  burthen,  built  and  fitted  out  by  themselves. 
} This  trade  extends  along  the  coast  for  about  seven  hundred  miles.  Their  goods 

are  purchased  from  British  and  American  vessels  visiting  Monrovia,  but  princi- 
pally from  the  former,  consisting  of  coarse  cottons,  broadcloths,  East  India  goods, 
beads,  knives,  hatchets,  crockery  ware,  iron  pots,  and  tobacco.  The  articles  re- 
ceived in  exchange  from  the  natives,  are  camwood,  ivory,  palm  oil,  gold  dust 
and  various  valuable  gums.  These  articles  are  again  exchanged  fo’r'new  sup- 
plies of  goods.  The  Liberian  trader,  forced  to  pay  high  prices  for  goods,  and  take 
low  prices  for  his  produce,  realizes  but  a small  portion  of  the  profit.  This  evil 
he  must  submit  to,  until  communications  with  the  United  States  become  more  fre- 
quent, so  as  to  enable  him  to  forward  his  produce  and  receive  his  goods  in  return. 
The  highest  price  he  receives  from  the  British  lor  his  camwood  is  fifty  dollars* 
per  ton,  paid  in  goods  at  from  100  to  150  per  cent,  advance  on  first  cost,  while  he 
could  realize  in  the  United  States  for  his  camwood,  seventy  dollars  per  ton,  clear 
^ of  commission. 

The  slavers  who  swarm  on  the  coast  of  Africa,  and  frequently  commit  acts  of 
piracy,  have  rendered  the  trade  too  hazardous  to  be  prosecuted  by  the  Americans 
whose  flag,  for  some  years,  has  been  left  unprotected  on  that  coast.  A few  Ameri- 
can merchants,  templed  by  the  extraordinary  profits  of  a voyage,  if  successful,  are 
engaged  in  that  trade,  which  is  almost  wholly  monopolized  by  the  British,’ and 
which  they  are  fast  extending  into  the  centre  of  Africa,  from  Sierra  Leone,  Cape 
Coast,  and  the  Gambia,  and,  also,  by  the  recently  discovered  route  of  the  Niger. 
From  those  points,  large  quantities  of  British  goods  are  annually  carried  far  into 
the  interior,  by  colonial  and  native  traders,  and  the  most  portable  and  valuable 
produce  received  in  return. 

The  British  receive  from  Africa  the  teakwood  for  ship  building,  and  large 
quantities  of  other  valuable  woods  for  furniture.  This  trade  is  protected  by  nu- 
merous cruisers,  and  is  annually  increasing.  Some  idea  of  its  importance 
may  be  formed  from  the  fact,  that  there  was  imported  into  Liverpool  alone,  in 
1834,  12,000  tons  of  palm  oil ; the  same  year  a single  house  imported  300  tons 
of  camwood;  and  another  house  imported  in  three  years  gums  to  the  amount  of 
$300,000. 


84 


This  trade,  which  gives  employ  to  so  large  an  amount  of  British  shipping,  and 
furnishes  a market  for  so  large  a quantity  of  her  manufactures,  can,  to  a great 
extent,  be  secured,  through  the  colony  of  Liberia,  to  the  United  Slates,  All  that  is 
required  is  protection  to  our  flagon  the  African  coast,  and  capital  in  the  hands  of 
the  Liberian  merchants,  many  of  whom  have  evinced  both  the  skill  and  integrity 
to  conduct  trade  on  the  most  extended  scale. 

With  constitutions  adapted  to  that  climate,  and  a similarity  of  color  with  the 
natives,  the  Liberian  can  penetrate  the  interior  with  safety,  and  prosecute  his  trade 
in  the  bays  and  rivers  of  the  coast,  without  suffering  from  the  diseases  which  are 
so  fatal  to  the  white  man.  Freed  from  the  risks  of  life  to  which  the  white  man  is 
exposed,  he  will  be  enabled  greatly  to  reduce  the  price  of  goods  to  the  natives, 
and  thereby  draw  to  Liberia  a large  part  of  the  trade  which  now  goes  into  the 
hands  of  the  British. 

With  stores  well  supplied  with  goods  appropriate  to  the  trade,  located  at  the 
several  important  settlements  in  Liberia,  the  trade  would  increase  radidly  with 
the  interior,  and  soon,  in  the  opinion  of  those  well  acquainted  with  the  country, 
would  amount  to  a million  of  dollars  annually.  It  is  not,  however,  to  a coasting 
or  barter  trade  alone,  profitable  as  it  is,  and  favorably  situated  as  she  is  to  improve 
it,  that  Liberia  looks  for  the  means  to  sustain  her  commerce,  it  is  her  agriculture 
and  her  forests.  The  whole  country  will  produce  rice,  which  must  soon  make  a 
large  item  in  her  export  trade. 

The  coffee  tree  abounds  in  the  forest,  and  can  be  obtained  and  planted  out  as 
cheaply  as  any  of  the  shrubs  in  America.  It  will  produce  in  five  years.  Samples 
which  have  been  sent  to  New  York,  are  pronounced,  by  judges,  to  be  equal  to  the 
finest  Mocha.  The  palm  tree,  which  abounds  in  Western  Africa,  and  in  many 
places,  is  found  in  dense  forests,  to  the  exclusion  of  other  limber,  furnishes  a nut 
from  which  oil  may  be  extracted  in  any  desired  quantity.  It  is  now  manufactured 
by  the  rudest  process  by  the  natives,  and  sold  for  about  twenty-five  cents  a gallon. 

When  suitable  machinery  shall  be  introduced  for  its  manufacture,  it  can  be  pro- 
duced at  half  that  price. 

What  an  inviting  field  is  here  opened  to  the  enterprising  colored  man  of  the 
United  States.  Could  it  be  safely  occupied  by  the  hardy  sons  of  New  Eugland, 
who  engage  in  the  lumbering,  fishing,  and  whaling  business,  how  soon  would 
they  leave  those  laborious  employments  and  make  the  forests  of  Africa  yield  more 
oil  than  is  obtained  from  all  the  whales  in  the  Pacific.  But  Providence  has  de- 
creed the  riches  of  Africa  to  the  colored  man. 

The  camwood  districts  in  Liberia  lie  from  35  to  50  miles  from  the  coast,  and 
are  contiguous  to  navigable  rivers.  An  intelligent  gentleman,  who  explored  one 
of  these  districts  lying  near  the  St.  John’s,  says,  that  the  improvement  of  the  nav- 
igation and  the  opening  of  a road  to  the  camwood  forest  can  be  done  at  a small 
expense,  and  by  the  use  of  suitable  boats  and  teams,  the  w^oed  can  be  transported 
and  delivered  at  the  Basssa  harbor  for  $15  per  ton,  in  quantities  sufficient  to  sup- 
ply all  the  demands  of  commerce.  That  now  obtained  is  transported  from  the 
forest  on  the  backs  of  slaves. 

From  the  favorable  geographical  location  of  Liberia,  her  fertile  soil,  the  indus- 
try and  enterprise  of  her  citizens,  the  elevating  influence  of  her  free  and  Chris- 
tian institutions,  is  she  not  destined  to  develope  the  agricultural  and  commercial 
resources  of  Africa,  w hile  she  is  the  means  of  regenerating  hei  benighted  millions. 


AMENDED  CONSTITUTION  AND  PRESENT  ORGANIZATION  OF 
THE  AMERICAN  COLONIZATION  SOCIETY. 

The  American  Colonization  Society,  under  whose  direction  and  management 
the  colonies  in  Liberia  were  founded,  was  organized  in  December,  1816  The 
scheme  of  Colonization  was  popular,  and  as  the  Society  extended  its  operations* 
a large  portion  of  the  citizens  of  the  United  States  gave  it  their  confidence  and  sup- 
port. State,  county  and  town  societies,  auxiliary  to  the  parent  society,  were 
formed  in  nearly  every  State  in  the  Union.  The  officers  of  the  auxiliary  socie- 
ties, by  the  constitution,  were  members  of  the  parent  Institution,  and  each  indi- 
vidual contributing  one  dollar  to  the  funds  of  the  society,  was  entitled  to  a vote 
in  the  election  of  officers.  The  constitution  underwent  various  amendments,  but 
the  Managers  were  still  chosen  at  the  annual  meetings  of  the  society,  and  were 
charged  with  the  duty  of  appointing  the  officers  of  the  society,  and  the  agents  and 
officers  for  the  colonies,  as  well  as  with  the  entire  management  of  all  matters  relating 


85 


to  the  affairs  of  the  society  in  the  United  States.  Many  of  them  were  the  most  dis- 
tinguished men  of  our  country,  and  although  their  labors  were  arduous,  their  ser- 
vices were  rendered  gratuitously.  Many  unexpected  difficulties  were  encountered. 
Establishing  a colony  on  so  distant  and  nnfrt  quented  a shore,  in  the  midst  of  a 
baiborous  people,  without  an  armed  force  to  protect  it,  was  a bold  experiment. — 
Its  success  has  been  triumphant.  The  blessings  which  it  has  already  conferred, 
and  the  far  more  extended  blessings  which  it  promises,  fully  proves  the  wisdom  of 
those  who  planned,  and  the  perseverance  of  those  who  haveconducted  the  Colonir 
zation  enterprise. 

Although  it  is  not  claimed  that  the  affairs  of  the  society  have,  at  all  times,  been 
conducted  in  the  best  possible  manner,  it  is  less  remarkable  that  errors  should 
have  been  committed,  both  in  plan  and  execution,  than  that  such  uniform  success 
should  have  attended  their  operations,  which  not  only  required  poliiical  wisdom, 
but  a degree  of  commercial  and  financial  skill,  which  the  Board  could  not  always 
command. 

The  Maryland  State  Colonization  Society,  for  causes  to  which  we  will  not  now 
refer,  withdrew  her  support  from  the  American  Colonization  Society,  and  re- 
solved to  establish  a colony  in  Liberia,  to  which  should  be  sent  such  free  people  of 
color,  ofthat  State,  as  wished  to  emigrate.  Soon  after,  the  Young  Men’s  Coloni- 
zation Society  of  Pennsylvania,  were  induced  to  establish  a separate  colony. 

The  New  York  City  Colonization  Society  united  with  the  latter,  under  the 
active  agency  of  Dr.  Proudfit,  the  funds  of  the  Slate  were  brought  to  their  aid. — 
Subsequently,  the  Mississippi  Slate  Colonization  Society  established  a colony  in- 
dependent ol  ihe  American  Colonization  Society. 

Thu-;,  *n  1838,  there  were  four  distinct  colonies  in  Liberia,  independent  of,  and 
unconnected  wish  each  other. 

The  friends  of  Colonization  generally,  and  particularly  those  responsible  for  the 
management  ot  the  several  societies,  felt  the  importance  of  uniting,  by  such  poli- 
tical and  commercial  relations,  as  would  secure  peace  and  harmony  between  the 
several  colonies  in  Africa,  and  promote  the  general  prosperity  of  the  whole.  Much 
diversitv  of  opinion  prevailed  as  to  the  be>t  means  of  accomplishing  this  object. 

The  Maryland  C. -Ionization  Society,  proposed  that  the  same  flag  and  currency 
should  be  adopted  by  all  the  colonies,  fugitives  from  justice  surrendered,  recipro- 
cal revenue  and  commercial  relations  adopted,  &e.  &c.  But  wished  to  retain 
the  control  of  all  matters  relating  to  their  own  colony,  until  their  people  should  be 
educated,  and  in  all  respects  better  qualified  to  assume  and  sustain  the  responsibili- 
i ties  of  a f ree  people. 

The  Managers  of  the  other  societies  wished  to  carry  the  union  of  colonial  in- 
terest much  farther,  and  same  who  had  been  the  warmest  advocates  of  separate 
state  action  and  independent  colonies,  now  believed  the  whole  system  wrong,  as  it 
tended  to  distract  and  disunite  the  friends  of  the  cause,  and  greatly  increased  the 
expense  of  carrying  on  Colonization  operations  in  this  country.  E ich  State  so- 
ciety, which  had  a colony  in  Africa  to  provide  for,  required  as  many  and  as  com- 
petent officers  to  direct  its  business,  as  was  required  to  conduct  the  Colonization 
operations  for  the  whole  United  States,  and  the  expense  of  administering  the  go- 
vernment of  each  separate  colony,  would  be  as  great  as  that  of  the  whole  united 
colonies. 

As  a free  republic  was  contemplated  in  Liberia  by  all  the  friends  of  Coloniza- 
tion, it  was  due  to  the  people  who  were  to  comprise  it,  to  intrust  as  much  power  in 
their  hands  at  once,  as  they  could  use  profitably  and  safely,  and  thus  enable  them 
* to  acquire  experience  in  all  the  various  branches  of  self-government,  and  also  to 
prevent  the  formation  of  sectional  jealousies,  prejudices  and  prelerences,  which 
it  would  be  difficult  to  eradicate.  To  bring  the  separate  settlements  together  by 
their  delegates,  to  legislate  for  Liberia  as  a State,  would  make  them  acquainted 
with  each  others  wantsand  resources,  and  their  capability  of  improvement.  They 
would  have  one  system  of  laws,  civil,  commercial  and  military — one  uniform 
system  governing  their  intercourse  with  the  natives — one  executive  head,  and 
could  goon  improving,  until  the  people  became  sufficiently  numerous,  and  were 
in  all  other  respects  in  a condition  to  dispense  with  the  guardianship  of  their  A- 
merican  patrons. 

Those  who  preferred  united  action  in  Liberia,  finding  their  views  sustained  by 
many  of  the  most  talented  and  experienced  colonists,  and  others  who  had  been 
agents  and  governors  of  the  colonies,  proposed  a convention  of  delegates  from  the 
American  Colonization  Society,  the  Maryland  Colonization  Society,  and  the  New 
York  and  Pennsylvania  Colonization  Society,  to  meet  at  Philadelphia,  in  Septem- 
ber, 1838. 


86 


The  proposition  was  favorably  received,  and  a convention  was  held  at  the  time 
and  place  proposed.  A general  plan  of  union  was  agreed  upon,  (Maryland  de- 
clining to  be  a party,)  and  submitted  to  the  several  societies  for  their  considera- 
tion. At  the  annual  meeting  of  the  American  Colnnization  Society,  held  at 
Washington  in  December,  in  which  all  the  societies  interested  were  fully  repre- 
sented, this  plan  was  discussed,  and  with  little  alteration,  adopted. 

It  is  believed  that  the  late  changes  in  the  organization  of  the  society,  will  prove 
highly  advantageous.  All  conflicting  interests  between  the  several  societies  will  be 
harmonized,  and  the  wisdom  and  the  power  of  the  State  societies  embodied  in  the 
American  Colonization  Society.  Thus  sustained,  its  operations  must  proceed 
with  increased  energy. 

The  Directors  being  composed  of  delegates  from  the  State  Societies,  will  feel 
a more  direct  responsibility,  than  if  appointed  as  heretofore.  And  being  dis- 
tributed in  the  several  States,  will  be  able  to  represent  the  wishes  and  views  of  the 
friends  of  Colonization  generally,  and  be  the  medium  of  communication  between 
the  society  and  its  patrons. 

It  is  hoped  that  every  State  in  the  Union  will  be  represented  by  their  delegates 
in  the  Board. 

Thissociely  furnishes  neutral  ground,  on  which  the  North  and  the  South  may 
meet  and  unite  their  labors  to  produce  a voluntary  separation  of  the  free  colored 
people  from  among  the  white  race,  where  they  are  deprived  of  those  social 
and  civil  privileges  essential  to  the  elevation  of  the  human  mind, ‘and  establish 
them  in  the  land  of  their  fathers,  “ where  all  circumstances  favor  their  elevation, 
and  all  motives  stir  them  to  duty.”  To  enlighten  Africa,  to  change  her  barbarous 
and  enslaved  to  an  educated  and  Christian  population,  to  establish  in  that  dark- 
quarter  of  the  globe  a free  republic,  an  asylum  to  which  the  despoiled  children  of 
Africa  may  return,  this  is  afield  of  benevolence  in  which  the  Christian  and  phi- 
lanthropist of  every  section  of  our  country  may  unite,  and  make  the  society  be 
emphatically  what  its  name  imports,  The  American  Colonization  Society. 

The  society  is  now  in  operation  under  the  amended  constitution.  A constitu- 
tion for  the  united  colonies,  under  the  name  and  styleofthe  COMMONWEALTH 
OF  LIBERIA,  was  prepared  by  the  Directors,  who  appointed  Thomas  Buchanan, 
Esq.  of  Philadelphia,  Governor.  He  had  resided  a year  in  Liberia,  as  Governor 
of  Bassa  Cove,  w’here  he  was  beloved  by  the  colonists,  and  respected  by  the  native 
kings.  Entire  devotedness  to  the  cause  of  Colonization,  united  to  courtesy,  piety, 
firmness,  and  a correct  and  comprehensive  judgment,  qualifies  him  for  the  station 
to  which  he  is  chosen.  It  is  believed  a more  competent  man  could  not  be  found  to 
preside  over  the  interests  of  Liberia,  and  carrv  into  operation  the  provisions  of  the 
new  constitution.  Mr.  Buchanan  sailed  in  February,  from  Norfolk,  in  the  ship 
Saluda.  His  arrival  in  Monrovia,  which  is  to  be  the  seat  of  government,  must 
give  a new  impulse  to  the  colonies,  as  through  the  liberal  policy  of  the  govern- 
ment, he  was  furnished  with  a much  needed  supply  of  arms,  ammunition,  cannon, 
naval  boats,  &c.,  and  was  provided  bv  the  society  with  a large  quantity  of  trade 
goods,  agricultural  implements,  a sugar  mill,  &c.,  also,  means  of  obtaining,  at  the 
Cape  de  Verd  islands,  a supply  of  working  animals,  the  want  of  which  has  so 
greatly  retarded  agricultural  operations  in  the  colony. 


CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  COMMONWEALTH  OF  LIBERIA. 

Adopted  by  the  Board  of  Directors  of  the  American  Colonization  Society , January 

5,  1839. 

The  American  Colonization  Society  hereby  grants  to  the  colonies  or  settle- 
ments in  Liberia,  on  the  western  coast  of  Africa,  under  its  care,  the  following 
Constitution : 

Article  1.  The  colonies  or  settlements  of  Monrovia,  New  Georgia,  Caldwell, 
Millsburg,  Marshall,  Bexley,  Bassa  Cove,  and  Edina,  and  such  other  Colonies 
hereafter  established  by  this  Society,  or  bv  Colonization  Societies  adopting  the 
Constitution  of  the  American  Colonization  Society,  on  the  Western  coast  of 
Africa,  are  hereby  united  into  one  Government,  under  the  name  and  style  oi  the 
Commonwealth  of  Liberia. 


87 


Legislative  Power. 

Art.  2.  All  Legislative  powers  herein  granted,  shall  be  vested  in  a Governor 
and  Council  of  Liberia  ; but  all  laws  bv  them  enacted  shall  be  subject  to  the  re- 
vocation of  the  American  Colonization  Society. 

Art.  3.  The  Council  shall  consist  of  representatives  to  be  elected  by  the  people 
of  the  several  colonies  or  settlements  and  shall  be  apportioned  among  them  ac- 
cording to  a just  ratio  of  representation.  Until  otherwise  provided,  Monrovia 
New  Georgia,  Caldwell,  and  Millsburg,  shall  be  entitled  to  six  representatives; 
and  Marshall,  Bexley,  Bassa  Cove,  and  Edina,  to  four  representatives;  to  be  ap- 
pointed among  them  by  the  Governor. 

Art.  4.  The  representatives  shall,  in  all  cases,  except  treason,  felony,  and 
breach  ot  the  peace,  be  privileged  lrom  arresting  during  their  attendance  at  the 
session  of  the  Council,  and  in  going  to  or  returning  from  the  same  ; and  for  any 
speech  or  debate  therein,  they  shall  not  be  questioned  in  any  other  place. 

Art.  5.  Until  otherwise  provided  by  law,  the  Governor  shall  appoint  and  pub- 
lish the  times,  places,  and  manner,  of  holding  elections,  and  making  returns 
thereof,  and  the  same  for  the  meeting  of  the  Council. 

Art.  6 The  Governor  shall  preside  at  the  deliberations  of  the  Council,  and 
shall  have  a veto  on  all  their  acts. 

Art.  7.  A Colonial  Secretary  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Governor  ; and  it  shall 
be  the  duty  of  such  Colonial  Secretary  to  record  in  a book  or  books,  all  the  official 
acts  and  proceedings  of  the  Governor,  of  the  Council,  and  of  the  Governor  and 
Council;  to  secure  and  preserve  the  same  carefully ; and  to  transmit  a copy  of 
each  of  such  acts  or  proceedings  to  the  American  Colonization  Society,  from 
time  to  time.  Provided,  however,  that  such  acts  and  proceedings  be  so  transmitted 
at  least  once  a year. 

Art.  8.  A great  seal  shall  be  provided  for  the  Commonwealth  of  Liberia, 
whereby  the  official  and  public  acts  of  the  Governor  shall  be  authenticated  ; and 
the  custody  of  the  said  seal  shall  be  committed  to  the  Colonial  Secretary. 

Art.  9.  The  Governor  and  Council  shall  have  power  to  provide  a uniform  sys- 
tem of  military  tactics  and  discipline:  to  provide  for  organizing,  arming  and  dis- 
ciplining the  militia,  and  for  governing  such  part  of  them  as  may  be  employed  in 
the  service  of  the  Commonwealth  : 

To  declare  war  in  self-defence  : 

To  make  rules  concerning  captures  on  land  and  water : 

To  make  treaties  with  the  several  African  tribes,  and  to  prescribe  rules  for 
regulating  the  commerce  between  the  Commonwealth  of  Liberia  and  such  tribes  ; 
except  that  all  treaties  for  the  acquisition  of  lands  shall  be  subject  to  the  approval 
of  the  American  Colonization  Society: 

To  prescribe  uniform  laws  of  naturalization  for  all  persons  of  color.  All  per- 
sons now  citizens  of  any  part  of  the  Commonwealth  of  Liberia  shall  continue  to 
be  so,  and  all  colored  persons  emigrating  from  the  United  States  of  America,  or 
any  District  or  Territory  thereof,  with  the  approbation,  or  under  the  sanction  of 
the  American  Colonization  Society;  or  of  any  Society  auxiliary  to  the  same,  or 
of  any  State  Colonization  Society  of  the  United  States,  which  shall  have  adopted 
the  Constitution  of  the  American  Colonization  Society,  shall  be  entitled  to  all  the 
privileges  of  citizens  of  Liberia  ; except  the  same  shall  have  been  lost  or  forfeited 
by  conviction  of  some  crime. 

Executive  Power. 

Art.  10.  The  Executive  power  shall  be  vested  in  a Governor  of  Liberia,  to  be 
appointed  by,  and  to  hold  his  office  during  the  pleasure  of,  the  American  Coloni- 
zation Society. 

Art.  11.  The  Governor  shall  be  Commander-in-Chief  of  the  Army,  of  the 
Navy,  and  of  the  Militia  of  the  Commonwealth  ; he  shall  have  power  to  call  the 
Militia  or  any  portion  thereof  into  actual  service,  whenever  the  public  exigency 
shall  require ; and  he  shall  have  the  appointment  of  all  military  and  naval  officers, 
except  the  captains  and  subalterns  ot  militia  companies,  who  may  be  elected  by 
their  respective  companies. 

Art.  12.  The  lands  owned  by  the  Society,  and  all  other  property  belonging  to 
the  Society,  and  in  the  Commonwealth,  shall  be  under  the  exclusive  control  of  the 
Governor  and  such  agents  as  he  may  appoint  under  the  direction  of  the  Society. 

Art.  13.  The  Governor,  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  Council,  shall  ap- 


88 


point  all  officers,  whose  appointment  or  election  is  not  otherwise  specially  provided 
ior  in  this  Constitution.  r 

Art.  14.  There  shall  be  a Lieutenant  Governor,  who  shall  be  elected  by  the 
people  in  such  manner  as  shall  be  provided  bv  law.  He  shall  exercise  the  office 
of  Governor,  in  case  of  a vacancy  in  that  office,  occasioned  bv  the  Governor’s 
death  or  resignation,  or  in  case  the'  Governor  shall  delegate  to  him  the  temporary 
authority  of  Governor  during  the  Governor’s  absence  or  sickness. 


Judicial  Power. 

Art.  15.  The  judicial  power  of  the  Commonwealth  of  Liberia  shall  be  vested 
in  one  Supreme  Court,  and  in  such  inferior  Courts  as  the  Governor  and  Council 
may,  from  time  to  time,  ordain  and  establish.  The  Governor  shall  be,  ex  officio , 
Chief  Justice  of  Liberia,  and  as  such  shall  preside  in  the  Supreme  Court,  which 
shall  have  only  appellate  jurisdiction.  The  Judges,  both  of  the  Supreme  and  in- 
ferior Courts,  except  the  Chief  Justice,  shall  hold  their  offices  during  good  beha- 
vior. 

Art.  16.  A code  or  uniform  system  of  civil  and  criminal  law,  shall  be  provided 
by  the  American  Colonization  Society  for  the  Commonwealth  of  Liberia. 

Art.  17.  The  present  criminal  laws  in  force  in  the  several  colonies  or  settle- 
ments now  forming  the  Commynwealth  of  Liberia,  and  such  others  as  may,  from 
time  to  time,  be  enacted,  shall  constitute  the  criminal  code  ot  the  Commonwealth. 
Such  parts  ot  the  common  law  as  set  forth  in  Blackstone’s  Commentaries,  as  may 
be  applicable  to  the  situation  of  the  people,  except  as  changed  by  the  laws  now  in 
force,  and  such  as  may  hereafter  be  enacted,  shall  be  the  civil  code  of  law  for  the 
Commonwealth. 

Miscellaneous. 

Art.  18.  A great  seal  shall  be  provided  for  the  Colonies,  whereby  the  official 
and  private  acts  of  the  Governor  shall  be  authenticated,  and  the  custody  thereof 
shall  be  committed  to  the  Colonial  Secretary. 

Art.  19.  Until  otherwise  provided  by  law,  the  Commonwealth  of  Liberia  shall 
be  divided  into  counties,  as  follows:  Monrovia,  New  Georgia,  Caldwell  and 
Millsburg.  shall  constitute  one  county,  under  the  name  of  the  county  ot  Monlsera- 
do;  and  Bassa  Cove,  Edina,  Bexley,  and  Marshall,  shall  constitute  the  other 
county,  under  the  name  of  the  county  of  Grand  Bassa. 

Art.  29.  There  shall  be  no  slavery  in  the  Commonwealth. 

Art.  21.  There  shall  be  no  dealing  in  slaves  by  any  citizon  of  the  Common- 
wealth, either  within  or  beyond  the  limits  of  the  same. 

Art.  23.  Emigration  shall  not  be  prohibited. 

Art.  23.  The  right  of  trial  by  jury,  and  the  right  of  petition,  shall  be  inviolate  . 

Art.  24.  No  person  shall  be  debarred  from  prosecuting  or  defending  any  civil 
cause  for  or  against  himself  or  herself,  before  any  tribunal  in  the  Commonwealth', 
by  himself  or  herself  or  counsel. 

Art.  25.  Every  male  citizen  of  the  age  of  twenty-one  years  shall  have  the  right 
of  suffrage. 

Art.  26.  All  elections  shall  be  by  ballot. 

Art.  27.  The  military  shall  at  all  times  , and  in  all  cases,  be  in  subjection  to 
the  civil  power. 

Art.  23.  Agriculture,  the  mechanic  arts,  and  manufactures,  shall  be  encouraged 
within  the  Commonwealth;  and  commerce  shall  be  promoted  by  such  methodsas 
shall  tend  to  develops  the  agricultural  resources  of  the  Commonwealth,  advance 
the  moral  social  and  political  interests  of  the  people,  increase  their  strength,  and 
accelerate  and  firmly  establish  and  secure  their  national  independence. 

Art.  29.  The  standards  of  weight,  measure  and  money,  used  and  approved  by 
the  Government  of  the  United  States  of  America,  are  hereby  adopted  as  the 
standards  of  weight,  measure  and  money  within  the  Commonwealth  of  Liberia. 
But  the  Governor  and  Council  shall  have  power  to  settle  the  value  of  the  actual 
currency  of  the  Commonwealth,  according  to  the  metallic  currency  of  the  United 
States  of  America. 


